being beamed by satellite into Bermuda homes.

Tougher penalties against offenders are also planned under the proposed legislation.

The Obscene Publications Amendment Act 1995 was tabled last Friday, and is on the order paper for today's House of Assembly session.

But yesterday Management and Technology Minister the Hon. Grant Gibbons said it would not be debated until next Friday.

"I would hope it will command cross-party support,'' he said.

Government has acted to amend the Obscene Publications Act 1973 following concern about a hard-core satellite service called Exxxtasy being available to Bermuda subscribers.

One of those who have hit out against the service is United Bermuda Party backbencher the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, who was yesterday off the Island and unavailable for comment. Speaking in the House, Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto pointed out the service was banned in Canada, where it originated, and asked why it was not also banned in Bermuda.

She suggested the attention Government was paying to Independence had kept it from addressing pornography.

The proposed amendment to the legislation marks a Government bid to keep pace with technology.

Yesterday, Dr. Gibbons said the amendment would broaden the scope of the Act.

Pornography these days was being distributed by computer software, satellite, and "digital means'', said Dr. Gibbons.

These new methods would now come under the legislation.

Punishments would also be increased, with penalties of 12 months in prison or $5,000 fines being brought in.

A new offence of advertising an obscene article was also proposed.