Watch CBS News

State Lawmakers Consider Revenge Porn Penalties Following CBS4 Investigation

DENVER (CBS4) - A bill in the Colorado legislature to criminalize "revenge porn" moved out of the House Judiciary Committee Thursday afternoon by a unanimous 11-0 vote.

"This is a malicious crime, aimed at women," said bill sponsor Amy Stephens, a Republican representing Monument.

A growing phenomenon of posting intimate and revealing photos and videos online, to embarrass someone has become known as "revenge porn."

Websites have popped up around the country allowing jilted lovers and spouses to share nude and revealing photos and videos of their former partners, without consent.

Colorado is one of 27 states that are considering bills that would outlaw revenge porn. The Colorado measure would make it a misdemeanor for adults to publish material that caused the victim serious emotional distress. Offenders could also be fined up to $10,000.

"I get one call a week or every two weeks from women who have encountered revenge porn," said Andrew Contiguglia, a Denver attorney who addressed the committee.

Contiguglia says he has represented five Colorado women who found their images unwillingly displayed on revenge porn websites.

Bill co- sponsor Dan Pabon, a Democrat representing Denver said that there are people "willing to take advantage and humiliate and destroy lives is wrong."

Judiciary Committee members were shown a CBS4 Investigation into a Colorado Springs revenge porn website that was founded and run by Craig Brittain.

Craig Brittain
Craig Brittain (credit: CBS)

"We want entertainment… we want the money… we're out to make a buck," Brittain said during the interview, explaining why he had posted photos and videos of some 700 women from Colorado and around the nation.

RELATED STORY: 'Revenge Porn' Website Operator Says He's Done

Following the CBS4 Investigation, Brittain took down his website and moved out of state.

After viewing the CBS4 report, Rep. Joe Salazar called Brittain "repugnant."

Rep. Lois Court said of Brittain, "that attitude disturbs me terribly."

Rep. Daniel Kagan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee concluded the hearing by saying the bill should send a message to anyone considering taking revenge by posting intimate photos.

"Watch out," said Kagan, "the State of Colorado won't tolerate it."

Related Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.