On April 19, 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales spoke at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning child pornography and exploitation crimes on the internet. The National Law Center for Children and Families (NLC) would like to commend the Attorney General for his continued commitment to these important issues. "Attorney General Gonzales' comments today remind us, in a frank way, that these laws must be enforced to protect our children and families. The NLC is committed to working to provide prosecutors and law enforcement at local, state and federal levels the tools to answer Attorney General Gonzales' call to vigorously enforce obscenity and child pornography laws across the nation," commented Richard R. Whidden, Jr., the Executive Director of the NLC.

In his comments, Attorney General Gonzales emphasized the dangers associated with the Internet. “The Internet feeds a vicious cycle. It makes child pornography more accessible and validates the pedophiles’ behavior in their minds, driving them to molest even more children and to make new and increasingly vulgar material.”  The Attorney General stressed the importance of America joining together to confront this epidemic.

The National Law Center for Children and Families, with the assistance of law enforcement, prosecutors, local government attorneys and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is embarking on an educational series beginning this June. NLC PROTECTS will educate law enforcement, investigators, and prosecutors on combating child exploitation, obscenity, and trafficking in persons in 15 cities over the next 2 years. For more information about NLC PROTECTS, click here.

Click here for the Prepared Remarks of Attorney Gonzales from April 20, 2006 delivered at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.