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Law would make "revenge porn" a crime in Michigan

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

It may soon be a misdemeanor in Michigan to post “revenge porn” on the Internet.

A half-dozen states already have laws on the booksto punish people who post nude or sexually explicit photos to the Web without the person’s consent.

It’s called revenge porn because in most cases it involves photos that were originally taken by consenting adults.

“And everything is fine … until they break up,” says State Senator Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge. “And then somebody wants cyber revenge and that’s when they post the picture without the person’s permission.”

Jones submitted legislation this week to make revenge porn a misdemeanor in Michigan, carrying a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

Jones says revenge pornography can be devastating to its victims.

He’s hoping his package of bills will quickly pass through the Michigan Legislature.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.