The new pornography law banning BDSM, verbal abuse and female ejaculation (amongst other things) is not only odd it is explicitly sexist. The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2014 that was put in place this week means that porn produced in the UK will have to conform to standards similar to most 18 rated films. However, specifics of the regulation state that it is no longer acceptable to include things such as spanking and ‘water sports’.

What makes this law sexist and rather backwards are the objectifications to female ejaculation. A natural sexual phenomenon that is as non-offensive as the act itself. Cries have been raised by many as to why there is no rule in place to ban male ejaculation. Whilst most people may be more familiar with the latter, the former is doing no harm to anyone. The step comes across as a regressive move in an otherwise progressive society. We are continuously see more and more pornography specifically aimed at women and the word masturbation from the mouth of a woman is no longer a dirty word.

The explicit war against BDSM culture is just as much of a step back. E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey brought BDSM to the masses a few years ago and an adaptation of the wildly successful book is due to be hitting cinemas in January. So what is it that the BBFC find so drastically offensive about the fetish? The misguided step seems to show a certain ignorance.

It is important that there are measures in place to ensure that pornography does not encourage any sexual abuse. Therefore it is important to always promote consent, but what is BMDSM if not the most consensual of all forms is sexual interaction. Requiring the uttermost trust and the agreement of a safe word.

If we are going to start regulating porn to benefit the public why not start by combatting sexism? The objectification of women encouraged by The Sun’s Page three is a much bigger risk to the treatment of individuals rather than a sexual subculture.

Picture: Liam Montreal