ARTS : House OKs ‘Obscene’ Art Tests

The House approved legislation today restricting federal assistance for art “considered obscene,” a compromise that averted stricter prohibitions sought by conservatives.

On a 381-41 vote, the lawmakers sent a spending bill containing the language to the Senate, which is considered likely to accept it.

The art provision, worked out by House-Senate negotiators last week, represents a dilution of a measure sought by Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) forbidding the government to finance artwork that is obscene or indecent or that offends any religion, race, ethnic group, age group or handicapped group.

Instead, it establishes a two-part test for support by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The government would be prohibited from providing money to exhibitions “that may be considered obscene,” such as works depicting sadomasochism, homoeroticism, the sexual exploitation of children or individuals engaged in sex acts. In addition, the work would have to lack “serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”

Both decisions would be left up to NEA officials. The language would be in effect for one year, during which a commission would study how the NEA makes grants and whether permanent standards for the art it supports are needed.