Kiddie Porn Felony Deal Reached In Senate

An unfortunate loophole in New York’s legislation for prosecuting those charged with viewing child pornography was finally closed on Saturday.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Marty Golden and other legislative leaders struck a deal to make viewing kiddie porn a felony crime.

The initial confusion came up when a court ruled that in order for a defendant to be convicted of child porn, he or she must print the material. Simply viewing it via iPad or home computer was not actually a felony.

The deal also addresses previous instances wherein lawyers claimed their clients used the child porn for educational purposes. It does, however, contain an excpetion for prosecutors who deal with child porn in legal proceedings, clarified Golden to the Wall Street Journal.

“I’m glad that all the legislators came to their senses and did the right thing to make sure we try to stop the victimization and abuse of kids,” Golden said.

Lawmakers will process the bill before ending the next legislative session this week.