Amazon.com removes pedophile book

SEATTLE, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Amazon.com has apparently removed a Colorado author's book about pedophilia from its Web site following protests from hundreds of shoppers, officials said.

The book's author said he wrote it because he believes pedophiles are unfairly portrayed by the media, CNN reported Thursday.

The book, "The Pedophiles Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover's Code of Conduct," was no longer listed for sale late Wednesday, but before its removal the listing sparked outrage from hundreds of Amazon.com shoppers.

The book's Pueblo, Colo., author said true pedophiles wouldn't hurt children.

"True pedophiles love children and would never hurt them," Phillip R. Greaves II told CNN. He said the book isn't a "how-to" manual, adding: "There are certain parts that are advisory, which set out lines than should not be crossed.

"Penetration is out. You can't do that with a child, but kissing and fondling I don't think is that big of a problem."

Most visitors to Amazon.com found the book repulsive, but others said the First Amendment protects it.

"It is illegal to molest children, and for Amazon to promote such is insane. I'm an abuse survivor, and am outraged Amazon would choose to promote this nonsense. I will not be purchasing anything from your Web site until this is removed," one Amazon.com visitor wrote.

CNN said Amazon.com had not responded to requests for comment.