The House of Lords debated porn and it all got a bit weird

Peers in the House of Lords discussed the proliferation of pornography and child sexual abuse images in British society on Thursday.

While the issue itself is a very serious one, the sight of dozens of very senior and usually very serious bishops, lords and baronesses talking about porn got people talking.

The debate was started by the Bishop of Chester, who opened with this:

My Lords, you may have felt that sometimes you have listened to a speech from these benches and felt that the speaker isn't entirely familiar with the subject...

But I can say that my first hand knowledge of pornography is very limited.

While admitting that his lack of knowledge made him an "unusual, if not exotic creature", the Bishop spoke for a good 15 minutes on why it's so damaging.

At one point he quoted a 1929 DH Lawrence essay on pornography and obscenity.

This happened:

Responding to the Bishop's speech, Baroness Howe said she "very much welcomed the opportunity provided by the debate to stand back and look at pornography".

Speaking before the debate, the Bishop of Chester explained: "I hope that this debate will enable members of the House of Lords to reflect upon the issues, and to help the government to determine what can be done to address them."

Watch this space.

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