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Obscenity Act

LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
CONSOLIDATED EDITION 2006

Commencement: 1 October 1973

CHAPTER 73
OBSCENITY

JR 37 of 1973

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

1. Prohibition of manufacture, possession, importation, etc., of obscene material
2. Penalties double for offences involving persons under 18
3. Prohibition of obscene language, advertisements, etc., in public
4. Penalties doubled for repeated offences
5. Forfeiture and destruction of obscene materials
6. Search warrants

7. Warrants to open mail

OBSCENITY

To prohibit the production, importation and dissemination of articles contrary to public decency.

1. Prohibition of manufacture, possession, importation, etc., of obscene material

Any person who –

(a) manufactures or keeps in his possession with a view to sale, distribution, hiring, affixing or displaying;

(b) knowingly imports or causes to be imported, exports or causes to be exported, transports or causes to be transported, carries or causes to be carried for a like purpose;

(c) displays, exposes or subjects to public view; or

(d) either himself or by his agent sells or leases, even though not publicly; or

(e) in any manner, directly or indirectly, offers even though gratuitously or privately; or

(f) distributes or delivers for distribution in any manner,

any obscene printed matter, writing, drawing, sign, engraving, painting, photograph (including the negative thereof), phonograph record, tape or cassette, emblem or any other object or representation, shall commit an offence punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding VT 100,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 1 year or by both such fine and imprisonment.

2. Penalties double for offences involving persons under 18

Any person who is convicted of an offence against section 1 involving the supply or display of obscene material to a person under 18 years of age, shall be liable to penalties double those prescribed in section 1.

3. Prohibition of obscene language, advertisements, etc., in public

Any person who –