Politics & Government
Revenge Porn Bill Passes Pa. House
The bill allows for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill banning revenge porn.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tom Murt (R-152nd), makes it a crime to distribute a photo or video of a "person in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct if the intent is to cause emotional distress to the person depicted," Murt's office said.
“This is a disgraceful practice that must be stopped,” Murt said. “What we are talking about is cyber extortion and cyber humiliation, and it must end.
The bill allows for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits, so victims could sue for monetary damages.Under the terms of the bill, prosecution would be possible if either the victim or perpetrator live in Pennsylvania.
Distributing such images or videos would be a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $1,000 or up to six months in prison. Each individual violation would be considered a separate offense.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
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