California Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Bill Against Paparazzi, Makes It A Crime To Harass Children Of Celebs
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Tuesday that will impose tougher penalties on paparazzi and others who take photos and video of children of public figures “in a harassing manner.” Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner have been the faces of the effort to protect celebrity children from photo harrassment.
"On behalf of my children, it is my hope that this is the beginning of the end for those overly aggressive paparazzi whose outrageous conduct has caused so much trauma and emotional distress," Berry said in a statement.
Jennifer Garner, who has three children with Academy award winner Ben Affleck, made a tearful plea to the California Assembly Committee concerning the passage of the bill.
"How often do we see a tragedy unfold and say, 'Oh, there were so many warning signs. Why didn't anybody pay attention?'" Garner said. "I am asking you as a parent to pay attention."
The measure, entitled SB 606, is set to take effect on Jan. 1. According to the Los Angeles Times, the bill will make it a criminal misdemeanor to photograph or videotape children of public officials in a harassing manner. Offenders face a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of $10,000 for violating the law.
California Newspaper Publishers Association and other media organizations opposed the bill. They believe that its language is too broad, making it difficult for uniform enforcement. However, it seems the legislature sided with the celebrities on this one.
"Kids shouldn't be tabloid fodder nor the target of ongoing harassment," the bill's author, Sen. Kevin de Leon, said in a statement. The new law "will give children, no matter who their parent is, protection from harassers who go to extremes to turn a buck."