Bravehearts Petition to Protect the Kids from Henson Art

The community is being invited to have their say on the sexualised images of children by controversial Australian photographer Bill Henson (for background see Henson fracas: Art the victim of child sexualisation)

Bravehearts Inc. has launched an online petition, a tool that will enable everyone to speak out against the exploitation of children.

Bravehearts Founder and Executive Director Hetty Johnston said members of the community were keen to protect the innocence of our younger generations.

“The sexualisation of children and young people for the alleged purpose of art – or any other purpose – is counterproductive to the best interests of child protection,” said Mrs Johnston.

“It plays directly into the hands of those who want to liberate children and young people from the laws which protect them.”

Earlier this month New South Wales Police seized 20 of the photographer’s images after they were displayed in the Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery in Paddington in Sydney’s eastern suburbs: Teenage nudity closes Bill Henson photography show

The photographs, which were also on the gallery’s website, featured a naked girl and boy aged 12 and 13 years old.

“We are appalled by the level of support given to Henson in light of the police seizure of his photographs,” said Mrs Johnston.

“Like all adults, artists have a responsibility to protect children from exploitation.”

Will you sign? I already have because child protection is serious business and, as a community member, it is my business to protect all children from exploitation. Hetty Johnston, Bravehearts, Megan Bayliss and Imaginif cannot do it alone. We are not against art or even against Bill Henson – we stand against the sexual exploitation of children.

Further reading:
Bravehearts is committed to seeing Henson in court
Re: Naked Teens Photos