Ivey, Goodson Detail ‘Revenge Porn’ House Bill 151

By  //  January 23, 2015

third attempt at passing such a bill

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Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, center, and BCSO Agent Dan Ogden, left, joined Representative Tom Goodson, R-Titusville on Wednesday morning as Goodson announced the filing of House Bill 151 that makes “Revenge Porn” a Third Degree Felony in the state of Florida. (BCSO image)

TALLAHASSE, FLORIDA – Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and BCSO Agent Dan Ogden joined Representative Tom Goodson, R-Titusville on Wednesday morning as Goodson announced the filing of House Bill 151 that makes “Revenge Porn” a Third Degree Felony in the state of Florida.

During a news conference at the Capitol, Rep. Goodson said many law-enforcement officials have talked with him about addressing the issue.

Revenge porn is the intentional online sharing of sexually explicit images without consent of the person in the picture. Goodson said most revenge porn files are uploaded to the Internet by ex-lovers in an attempt to harass former partners.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey
Sheriff Wayne Ivey

“Revenge Porn occurs when someone posts a nude photograph of another person on the internet without their permission to embarrass them, humiliate them, harass them or retaliate against them,” said Sheriff Ivey.

“HB 151 makes it a felony to post the photograph revealing the person’s identity in any way.”

Goodson said it’s nearly impossible to delete photos or videos once they are on the Internet.

Rep. Tom Goodson
Rep. Tom Goodson

“You do not do that for love, kindness, or to tell people you’re girlfriend is great,” Goodson said.

“You do it out of harassment, to harm, to embarrass. You affect their job for life.”

The proposal, which will be considered during the legislative session that starts in March, is the third attempt at passing such a bill.

Fourteen other states have recently passed similar bills and an additional 22 states have introduced bills to also make it illegal.

“I want to personally thank Rep. Goodson for realizing the importance of this bill and the impact it will have on protecting our citizens.” said Sheriff Ivey.

“I would like to also commend Agent Ogden for spearheading this effort for our agency and for the many victims who have been devastated as victims of Revenge Porn.”

– The News Service of Florida contributed to this story.