TWO North-East critics of extreme pornography have welcomed the Government’s announcement that the possession of so-called “rape porn” is to be criminalized.

The change in the law follows a campaign to #banrapeporn led by Rape Crisis South London and the End Violence Against Women Coalition which saw an online petition acquire more than 72,000 signatures of support in a month.

Durham University professors Clare McGlynn and Erika Rackley, of Durham Law School, are vocal critics of current extreme pornography laws.

They have argued that the failure of the law to include rape pornography represented a “missed opportunity” to take strong action against the normalisation of sexual violence.

Currently, extreme pornography legislation excludes the vast majority of pornographic images of rape.

Extreme pornography is defined by the legislation as images of bestiality, necrophilia and serious violence. The reform will bring the law in England and Wales in line with Scotland.

Professors McGlynn and Rackley argue that rape pornography is harmful in creating a cultural climate in which rape and sexual violence are not taken seriously.

A key message of rape pornography, which is easily and freely accessible online, is that women’s consent can be ignored.

Prof McGlynn said: “We welcome the Government's recognition that rape pornography normalises and glorifies sexual violence - rape pornography is a form of cultural harm. The law must be reformed because rape pornography provides the context in which sexual violence is not taken seriously.”

Prof Rackley added: “The reform sends a clear message that rape is not a legitimate form of sexual entertainment.

"While those who view extreme pornography will not necessarily go on to commit sexual offences, their use of such material sustains a culture in which ‘no’ is not taken seriously."