1.1                             A resolution
  1.2             memorializing the television networks to actively 
  1.3             reduce the amount of violence-laden, sexually explicit 
  1.4             material on television programs and to produce 
  1.5             television material that promotes positive family 
  1.6             values and helps to strengthen the family.  
  1.7      
  1.8      WHEREAS, the television medium has significant influence on 
  1.9   society because of the widespread use of television and the 
  1.10  power of visual images; and 
  1.11     WHEREAS, it is vital to the well-being of our state and its 
  1.12  communities that citizens be alert to the destructive influences 
  1.13  that threaten the moral and social fabric of our society; and 
  1.14     WHEREAS, there is a prevalence of violent and sexually 
  1.15  explicit material on television programming; and 
  1.16     WHEREAS, the exploitative depiction of men, women, and 
  1.17  children through violence and sexually explicit material 
  1.18  contributes to a rise in the incidence of sexual crimes, violent 
  1.19  assaults, and family breakdowns; and 
  1.20     WHEREAS, there is a liberalized attitude toward divorce on 
  1.21  television programming that encourages the acceptance of divorce 
  1.22  and minimizes the harmful effects of marital dissolution on 
  1.23  children; and 
  1.24     WHEREAS, it is incumbent on the television networks to be 
  1.25  promoters of positive family values and thus strengthen our 
  1.26  society; and 
  2.1      WHEREAS, it is urgent that television networks establish 
  2.2   ethical standards and take responsibility for the content of the 
  2.3   programs and advertisements that are televised; NOW, THEREFORE, 
  2.4      BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota 
  2.5   that it urges the television networks to actively reduce the 
  2.6   amount of violence-laden, sexually explicit material on 
  2.7   television programs and to produce television material that 
  2.8   promotes positive family values and helps to strengthen the 
  2.9   family.  
  2.10     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the 
  2.11  State of Minnesota is directed to prepare certified copies of 
  2.12  this memorial and transmit them to the presidents of the 
  2.13  television networks.