Legislature NH law changes 'child porn' to 'child sex abuse images'

CONCORD - A bill that changed the title of the crime of "child pornography" to the crime of "child sexual abuse images," will take effect on Sunday.

HB 220 was introduced by Rep. Renny Cushing, D-Hampton, in an effort to ensure that terminology used in the criminal code adequately reflects the nature of the offense.

The bill was passed with broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Chris Sununu at a public signing ceremony on June 7.

"Categorizing a sexual image of a child as 'pornography' rather than 'abuse' trivializes the experiences of child victims. Changing the title of this law helps remind us that those who produce images of child sexual abuse are creating a permanent record of their crime, and that the child is victimized each time these images are shared. It's important that we recognize this heinous crime for what it really is - child sexual abuse," said Amanda Grady Sexton, director of public affairs at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

NHCADSV is a statewide network of 13 independent member programs committed to ending sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking, through direct services to victims, community education, and public policy advocacy.

The NHCADSV and its 13 member programs do not discriminate based on gender, age, health status (including HIV-positive), physical, mental, or emotional ability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, socio-economic status, race, national origin, immigration status, or religious or political affiliation.

For more information visit www.nhcadsv.org.