cool,
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=735274
Is the production of softcore (solo female) pornography legal in Costa Rica?
How about hardcore?
Answer
Subject: Re: Porn Production in Costa Rica
Answered By: politicalguru-ga on 09 Jun 2006 02:26 PDT
Dear Xmichael,
before I begin my answer, let me remind you of our disclaimer on the
bottom of this page: " Answers and comments provided on Google Answers
are general information, and are not intended to substitute for
informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal,
investment, accounting, or other professional advice."
I urge you, if you are about to open a business in Costa Rica, to
consult with an attorney there and not rely only on my answer.
Officially, pornography is protected under freedom of expression in
the Costa-Riccan constitution (English version:
The Constitution of Costa Rica
<http://www.costaricalaw.com/legalnet/constitutional_law/constitenglish.html>)
Although Section 28 could prevent pornography as "harming the morals":
"No one may be disturbed or persecuted for the expression of his
opinions or for any act which does not infringe the law.
Private actions which do not harm the morals or public order, or which
do not cause any damages to third parties are outside the scope of the
law. " (ibid, <http://www.costaricalaw.com/legalnet/constitutional_law/engtit4.html>).
Further restrictions exist on the *distribution* and sale of
pornographic material (under the Ley General de Espectáculos Públicos,
Materiales Audiovisuales e Impresos, the [General Law of Public
Entertainment, Audiovisual and Printed Material]).
I could find no legal cases that challenge *production* in case of so
called "soft porn" (something that is not legally defined, in any
case).
There is, however, an article in the Criminal Code (Article 173) that
prohibits (and sets punishments) upon the production or the
distribution of pornography involving minors. A person convicted under
this article can expect 5 to 10 years in prison.
" ?Artículo 173.- Fabricación o producción de pornografía
Quien fabrique o produzca material pornográfico,
utilizando a personas menores de edad o su imagen, será sancionado con
pena de prisión de cinco a diez años. Será sancionado con pena de
prisión de uno a cuatro años, quien comercie, transporte o ingrese en
el país ese tipo de material. "
(Sorry, couldn't find an English version. SOURCE: PROTECCIÓN DE LAS
PERSONAS MENORES DE EDAD MEDIANTE LA REFORMA
<http://www.asamblea.go.cr/proyecto/15300/15336.doc>).