Gov’t cracks down on smuts • House seeks probe of stores selling pornographic materials and sex toys

Taking the cue from an earlier warning by the Catholic Church against moral decay in the CNMI, the House of Representatives is launching an all-out war against stores selling pornographic materials.

Legislators yesterday called for an immediate investigation of the continued proliferation of pornographic materials and sex toys being sold by several stores in Western Garapan.

House Committee on Health and Welfare Malua Peter said she will ask the Departments of Commerce, Department of Public Safety and other government offices to provide the Legislature documents on the legality of sex stores seen being frequented not only by foreigners but by local residents as well.

Ms. Peter said the presence of these stores not only put a damper on the moral values of youth but adds to already alarming rates of prostitution activities in the prime tourist area on Saipan.

She said measures should also be installed to ensure that only consenting adults are allowed access to these establishments, which may be in illegal operation.

The legislator explained that review of the licenses of these stores will be conducted as soon as proper documents and additional information are forwarded to the House Committee on Health and Welfare.

These stores not only sell sex toys, smut materials, and other pornographic items but also display posters and other smuts seen even by passers-by.

The already alarming case of prostitution has been partly attributed to the presence of these stores in the Western Garapan area since customers are allowed to come in legally buy smuts, the congresswoman explained.

These stores should be properly documented and investigated to determine whether the issued licenses and business permits are in accordance with what the store owners possess.

If not, Ms. Peter said, stringent penalties will be meted against store owners who operate their establishments in violation of existing CNMI laws.

The committee is also preparing its amended version of the anti-prostitution law after DPS Commissioner Charlie Ingram recommended additional penalties including deportation of nonresident workers involved in the flesh trade.

Ms. Peter said the committee is now reviewing all recommendations and will soon introduce a new measure.