Resolution promotes pro-child standards

PROVO — The Provo City Council passed a resolution Tuesday night encouraging businesses and other institutions to establish and promote "child-appropriate standards."

The resolution is just that, not an ordinance, and has no legal teeth, but the council expressed concern about displays in stores and other venues that could negatively impact children and harm Provo's "wholesome family environment."

Provo is the 22nd Utah city to pass a resolution of this kind, based on a template created by Bountiful-based Citizens for Families.

The resolution encourages federal and state lawmakers to implement laws to provide greater control over pornographic material.

The resolution likely will be used to encourage store owners to cover racy magazine covers. It also could become part of an effort to create a community standard that courts could rely on for legally defining what is obscene in Provo.