B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Law

Action Against The Paparazzi Finally Gets Legislative--

We've been waiting for this one.  Of course legislation is always on our watch, but the issue regarding paps taking it too far with celebs has been more and more pressing lately.  With everyone all a swirl about the new West baby, and other celebrity children, it's no surprise stricter laws are hot topics.

Just a few days ago, Hollywood moms Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner testified at California’s state capitol.  The ladies lobbied lawmakers to pass a bill barring paps from taking pictures of their children. Each mom talked about being stalked by these pseudo-journalists, keeping them from giving their children the calm life they deserve.  Sure, it was their choice to be in the public eye, but it is their role as public figures, not their children's.  The often thirsty antics of paparazzi has been tragic to the children, and something should absolutely be done.

“As mothers, as parents, we don’t have the wherewithal or the law in place right now to protect them from this. What this bill would do is give us our rights back so that we can protect our children,” Halle told the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

The bill, SB606, would change the definition of harassment to include photographing or recording a child without the permission of a legal guardian by following the child or guardian’s activities or by lying in wait.  Penalty enhancements are included as well.

It is our hope the California legislature will do the right thing and implement these necessary restrictions.  Children should be protected everywhere, but surely the large population of public figures in California is a great place to set the precedent for this type of policy.  

Photo via salon.com

We'll keep watching this one.