The constitutionality of amendments to the Films and Publications Act will be considered by the court.

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 The constitutionality of amendments to the Films and Publications Act will be considered by the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The provisions, introduced in 2010, require that publications --excluding newspapers -- are approved before publication if they contain sexual content.

The home affairs department and the Film and Publications Board argue that the amendment is justifiable as it aims to educate consumers, protect children and eliminate child pornography.

Print Media SA and the SA National Editors' Forum argue that pre-publication classification should not be necessary for publications aimed at educating the public or condemning sexual conduct.

The High Court in Johannesburg previously found the provisions inconsistent with the Constitution.