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Overview
Hays Code
Quick Reference
A set of censorship guidelines for the United States motion picture industry in force from 1930 to 1968, introduced by Will Hays (1879–1954), President of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA). One of its general principles was that ‘No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it’. Restrictions included a prohibition on any reference to ‘sex perversion’ (such as homosexuality). Replaced by the age-based rating system that is still in use (see certification).
Subjects: Media studies
