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Steven Tyler Backs Anti-Paparazzi Law in Hawaii, Gets Support From Britney Spears

Truth rating: 10

12:12 pm, February 8th, 2013

UPDATED

(GettyImages.com)

Steven Tyler testified at a legislative session in Hawaii on Friday to show support for an anti-paparazzi law that bears his name.

The so-called “Steven Tyler Act”  would allow stars to sue photographers who use advanced equipment to snap “offensive” pics or videos of them while they’re on private property.

The bill — which was debated and later passed by Hawaii’s Senate Judiciary Committee — had written statements of support from other stars, including Britney Spears, the Osbournes and Avril Lavigne, among others.

“The paradise of Hawaii is a magnet for celebrities who just want a peaceful vacation. As a person in the public eye, I know the paparazzi are there and we have to accept that,” Tyler, who owns a home in Maui, said in a statement.

“But when they intrude into our private space, disregard our safety and the safety of others,” he continued, “that crosses a serious line that shouldn’t be ignored.”

RELATED – Watch: Steven Tyler Dresses in Drag, Moons Camera on “American Idol”

While the bill received co-sponsorship from more than two-thirds of the senators, opponents claimed it was unconstitutional and infringes on the First Amendment rights of photographers and journalists.

The celebs argued, however, that “providing a remedy to the often-egregious acts of the paparazzi is a very notable incentive to purchase property or vacation on the islands.”

“Not only would this help the local economy, but it would also help ensure the safety of the general public, which can be threatened by crowds of cameramen or dangerous high-speed car chases,” the stars said in their statements.

The National Press Photographers Association and the Motion Picture Association of America were among those who voiced objections.

The bill must still be passed by the whole Senate, as well as Hawaii’s House of Representatives, before becoming law.

Gossip Cop will have updates.

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  • Martina

    Finally….that took so long?!

  • Jollie

    Great for them! I think the citizens of the USA should also work on this by not supporting it. There should also be laws about what tabloids publish to the public that children can see. They are one of the very things that is destroying America and especially the children. They already have children and this society obsessed with weight which many children and adults have become anorexic and haters too.

  • Jollie

    Also, what I don’t understand is why the paparazzo’s name has not been released and who he works for. If it was a different occupation, it would have been released right after it happened. If the paparazzi make money and a citizen of the USA, then why hasn’t his name been released? Is it because he is here illegally? Is it because they go get those people from another country because no one else would work for the fees they get? Are they criminals? Something is wrong, I believe, and they are trying to hide it.

  • Jollie

    OKay, I read another article about this somewhere online which I see that Gossip Cop did not include and that is – all of this started from a paparazzo getting killed while trying to take pic of Justin Bieber, whereas, someone else was driving his car speeding that a cop stopped. A car hit him (paparazzo) while trying to cross a four lane highway/road to get a good shot. Stars and the public is afraid also that it’s a danger to citizens, paparazzi, and especially the celebrities. This was also included in the testimony before the legislature. That’s why I mentioned the above.

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