India legalizes porn films
India's censor board has decided to allow pornographic films to be legally screened in licensed theaters. Clandestine theaters show hardcore films in most Indian cities ("mostly in morning shows" according to this BBC article), and pornography is widely available on cable and satellite TV. Vijay Anand, chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, says, "The business of sex films is thriving in India because there is a demand for such films. Since we are unable to control it, we might as well try to regulate it." But not everyone is happy with the new permissiveness. Actress-turned-politician Vjyanthimala Bali criticises the policy shift, adding, "We are not Americans."
