Does hardcore pornography deserve First Amendment protection? Or are there legal grounds to restrict pornography in our society? More than 50 years ago, Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, widely known for his liberal defense of First Amendment rights, plainly said that the highest court in the land “has always assumed that obscenity is not protected by the freedoms of speech and press.”
At the end of this month, conservative and pro-family groups around the country will be observing WRAP Week—White Ribbons Against Pornography. For 24 years this annual event has rallied citizens to fight the proliferation of pornography in their own communities, and this year you can join the thousands who are taking a stand.
A Brief History of WRAP Week
In 1962 a Lutheran pastor, a Catholic priest, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, and a Greek Orthodox priest were concerned about the access children had to obscenity. They started Morality in Media (MIM) and since then this group has expanded to a national scope. Today MIM works through constitutional means to curb traffic in obscenity and uphold standards of decency in media.
In 1987 Norma Norris heard a sermon against pornography delivered by the priest of her Catholic parish. Inspired by this she started a campaign to send a message to her community leaders that she and many others cared about hardcore pornography being sold in their community. Soon after she had the idea of a simple white ribbon as a symbol of decency and the movement began. That year MIM became the official sponsor of the WRAP campaign.
Listen to or Watch the Live Web Events
This year WRAP week runs from October 30 to November 5. That week you will be able to find fresh articles, podcasts, and information on the Covenant Eyes blog. Also, join us for our live events.
- “Hooked: A Christian Response to Porn Addiction” – Live Webinar – Click here to reserve your spot for Monday, October 31, 1-2 p.m. EST. Luke Gilkerson of Covenant Eyes and Crystal Renaud of Dirty Girls Ministries will be speaking about how Christian men and women alike are tempted by pornography and how the church can help them break free.
- “Christian Families Living in a Porn Culture” – Livestream Video on Facebook – Click here to join the Facebook event for Wednesday, November 2, at 4 p.m. EST. Covenant Eyes representatives will be interviewing CEO of Promise Keepers, Dr. Raleigh Washington, live from the Promise Keepers headquarters in Colorado. This special Livestream interview is geared towards parents to learn about how they can take a stand for purity in a pornified culture.
- “Becoming an Anti-Porn Activist” – Live Webinar – Click here to reserve your spot for Friday, November 4, 3-4 p.m. EST. We will hear stories from some of the strongest voices in the anti-pornography movement. The goal of this webinar will be to give you ideas about practical ways you can oppose the spread of pornography in your community. Presenters will include Shelley Lubben and Jenni Case (ex-porn stars, Pink Cross Foundation), Dawn Hawkins (Executive Director of Morality in Media), Sam Meier (coordinator of the My House initiative), Traci Beagley (from the Arizona Family Council), and Tiffany Helfrich (Founder and President of Girls Against Porn).