Censorship

Before enacting a bill providing tax credits for the production of movies and television shows in Rhode Island, the General Assembly took heed of ACLU censorship concerns. As originally drafted, the bill barred tax credits for any film or television series “that could receive” an NC-17 or TVMA rating, or that was “suitable for adult viewing only.” The ACLU argued that the bill inappropriately placed government officials in the role of censors and could create a chilling effect on some film-making. In response, the bill was amended to prohibit tax credits only for productions falling under federal pornography laws.