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Hawaii Senate Passes 'Steven Tyler Act'

Bill allows lawsuits over press invasion of privacy

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 6, 2013 1:45 AM CST

(Newser) – When Steven Tyler speaks, lawmakers in Hawaii listen. The state Senate has passed an anti-paparazzi billed dubbed the "Steven Tyler Act" after the Aerosmith frontman kicked up a stink about unauthorized photos of him and his girlfriend taken inside his Maui home by a paparazzo with a telephoto lens, the AP reports. The act, which now moves to the state House, makes it possible to sue over "the constructive invasion of privacy" if somebody captures an image or recording of somebody " engaging in a personal or familial activity with a reasonable expectation of privacy. "

Tyler and other celebrities including Fleetwood Mac drumer Mick Fleetwood testified about how intrusive press photographers had made it tough to relax with their families. National media organizations testified in opposition but only two of the chamber's 25 lawmakers voted against the bill, including Sam Slom, its sole Republican. "My final remarks to Steven Tyler—as he sang so eloquently—are, 'Dream on, dream on,'" he said, describing the bill as an attack on First Amendment rights.

Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, center, sits with his attorney Dina LaPolt, left, and Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood during testimony last month.
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, center, sits with his attorney Dina LaPolt, left, and Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood during testimony last month.   (AP Photo/Oskar Garcia)
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs at iHeart Radio Music Festival on Saturday, Sept., 22, 2012 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs at iHeart Radio Music Festival on Saturday, Sept., 22, 2012 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.   (Photo by Eric Reed/Invision/AP)
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler testifying on celebrity privacy during a hearing at the Hawaii Capitol in Honolulu last month.
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler testifying on celebrity privacy during a hearing at the Hawaii Capitol in Honolulu last month.   (AP Photo/Oskar Garcia, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 43 comments
Chatsworth
Mar 7, 2013 8:21 AM CST
I'm glad there's at least an anti-paparazzi in Hawaii.I doubt if most non-celebrity citizens would appreciate having their every move,even in their home,photographed and commented upon.Next, they'll be sneaking cameras into the stars' bathrooms.
123Och32
Mar 6, 2013 9:32 PM CST
For him, just use a picture of an old howler monkey.
DuckISays
Mar 6, 2013 5:24 PM CST
What's a "drumer"?  Get an editor/proofreader already.  It's not as if qualified people don't need jobs, too.
 

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