Morality, Censorship, and Discrimination: Reframing the Pornography Debate in Germany and Europe

The German state has traditionally regulated the distribution of pornography based on the perceived need to protect the moral development of minors. In recent years, feminists have attempted to demonstrate that pornography is not only dangerous for youth but is a form of violence and discrimination against women. This article addresses the attempt by feminists to reframe the regulation of pornography at the German and the European levels. It argues that although several factors limited their success at the German level, feminists are finding that the European level might offer new opportunities to reframe the pornography debate.