Assembly OKs Bill to Bar Porn From Public Vending Machines

Assembly Republicans won easy passage Thursday of a bill to prohibit the sale of pornographic materials from vending machines in public places where minors can purchase and view them.

The contents of the bill had been bottled up in a Democratic-dominated committee. But the GOP capitalized on a mild rebellion within Democratic ranks against Speaker Willie Brown of San Francisco and succeeded in placing the bill’s provisions in another measure, sending it to the Senate on a bipartisan 58-10 vote.

The vote came after Assemblyman Gil Ferguson (R-Newport Beach) lined up votes from four of the so-called “Gang of Five” dissident Democrats who are feuding with the Speaker.

The five Democrats say they want the Assembly reorganized so bills with strong public support do not die in committee. Brown has stripped four of the five Democrats of key committee assignments.

‘Harmful Matter’

The approved anti-pornography bill would bar the sale or display of “harmful matter” in vending machines located in a public place other than a public place from which minors are excluded.

“I ask you to look at what is being offered for sale,” Assemblyman Larry Stirling (R-San Diego) said. “There is no reason why the pornographers who victimize our children should have their capital in the state of California. Outlaw this crud.”

An opponent, Assemblyman Byron D. Sher (D-Palo Alto), said it would be “very difficult” to prove what is “harmful matter” and what is not when lawsuits go to court if the bill becomes law.

The Assembly has long been seen as a legislative graveyard for anti-pornography bills. The Senate, by contrast, has been less hostile to such measures. Ferguson described chances of final passage as “pretty good.”