3/12/04
Thursday, by overwhelming margin (391-22), the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004 (HR3717) that would raise fines for indecency on the airwaves 18-fold to $500,000 per violation!
This bill was introduced following indecency complaints after singer Bono uttered the "f-word" on a live awards show. Since then, the bill has gained steady support in the House, and from President Bush.
Grassfire (
www.grassfire.net) has been at the forefront of the indecency issue since the FCC ruled in favor of Bono back in late October of 2003.
Since then, they’ve rallied 168,221 citizens, launched a massive letter writing and calling campaign to the FCC and leaders of Congress, demanding swift and severe action be taken. It seems the efforts have paid off.
H-D