News:AAE bans Softpaw from Further Confusion 2008 over legal fears

January Further Confusion's governing organization Anthropomorphic Arts and Education (AAE) has banned the sale of erotic cub fanzine Softpaw Magazine at this year's event, making it the second major convention to ban the work.

The decision was based on a rule banning "[depictions of] minor[s] engaging in sexually explicit conduct", which AAE added due to the prosecution of Dwight Whorley for receiving lolicon over the Internet. Softpaw and its supporters maintain that, as furries are not humans but anthropomorphic animals, laws covering the sexual relation of humans do not apply.

Some assumed AAE's decision was made partly on moral grounds, while others thought they were making a definitive statement about the legality of Softpaw and similar works. The board later posted a statement denying both of these, emphasizing that the risk and consequences of legal action - regardless of its success - were the sole reason for their ban.

Eurofurence banned Softpaw last year, citing similar legal "grey areas", as well as art show rules, the convention's relationship with their hotel, and prior drama involving depictions of young-looking furs in sexual situations.

In Canada - where Softpaw is printed - furries are considered animals, due to a 1989 case involving Omaha The Cat Dancer.

Softpaw was sold without incident at Anthrocon 2007, reportedly raising over US$4,000 in revenue. Editors say they have spent around US$16,000 in the production and purchase of art for Softpaw #3, intended to debut at FC 2008.

Jery Softpaw indicated the fanzine will keep its table in the dealers room, along with their traditional pizza party, but that Softpaw will not be sold in deference to the ruling.

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