Halle Berry celebrates paparazzi law

Halle Berry is celebrating after a bill banning paparazzi harassment was signed into law in California on Tuesday (24Sep13).

The Monster's Ball star and Jennifer Garner both testified last month (Aug13) in support of Senate Bill 606, which imposes tougher penalties on photographers who constantly tail public figures and their kids, and also makes it easier for parents to sue for damages over harassment.

Pregnant actress Berry, who is also mother to daughter Nahla, five, has expressed her thanks to Governor Jerry Brown for signing the law, which comes into effect on 1 January (14).

In a statement, she says, "I started this fight with a great deal of hope and a bit of uncertainty so I cannot express my immense gratitude that Governor Brown has recognized, and acted to remedy, the plight of children who are tormented because of the identity or prominence of their parents. On behalf of my children, it is my hope that this is the beginning of the end for those overly aggressive paparazzi whose outrageous conduct has caused so much trauma and emotional distress."

Berry also thanked fellow Hollywood mom Garner and British soul singer Adele for joining her in the fight to protect their kids: "I am forever in awe of the support I got within my community from the enormously talented musician Adele to fellow actor Jennifer Garner who traveled with me to Sacramento to share her children's stories, experience and her desire to give them a better life.

"I'm grateful to Nia Vardalos and the numerous parents who work as actors, musicians, as well as professionals in medicine, mental health, lawyers, judges and cops who have experienced their children being harassed, tormented or otherwise put in dangerous situations due to their parent's profession and therefore lent their support. It is for all of us that I rejoice today and hope that this fight will continue and that the proper enforcement of this law will truly make a positive impact on the daily lives of all children."