Rick Santorum said that “America is suffering from a pandemic of harm from pornography,” and accused the Obama administration’s Justice Department of favoring “pornographers over children,” in a statement on his campaign website.



The former Pennsylvania senator argues that "current federal 'obscenity' laws prohibit distribution of hardcore [obscene] pornography on the Internet, on cable/satellite TV, on hotel/motel TV, in retail shops and through the mail or by common carrier."



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“The Obama administration has turned a blind eye to those who wish to preserve our culture from the scourge of pornography and has refused to enforce obscenity laws,” the statement read in part. “While the Obama Department of Justice seems to favor pornographers over children and families, that will change under a Santorum administration.”Some argue that obscenity is a First Amendment issue and, often, it's the courts that determine whether something is obscene and violates the law.Throughout the campaign, Santorum, a devoted Catholic, has touted his socially conservative positions.He hasn't made any notable mention of the pornography issue on the campaign trail, and it's one of several position papers he's given on the issue section of his campaign website.The statement on pornography did not have a timestamp, so it’s uncertain when it was released.“A wealth of research is now available demonstrating that pornography causes profound brain changes in both children and adults, resulting in widespread negative consequences,” the statement noted. “Addiction to pornography is now common for adults and even for some children. The average age of first exposure to hardcore Internet pornography is now 11. Pornography is toxic to marriages and relationships. It contributes to misogyny and violence against women. It is a contributing factor to prostitution and sex trafficking.”The statement said that if elected, Santorum would appoint an attorney general who would vigorously enforce federal obscenity laws.The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.