Indiana Bans Porn in Prison

INDIANAPOLIS — Two inmates are leading a class-action lawsuit against the Indiana Department of Corrections over a new policy that prohibits printed media that contains sexual conduct or simple nudity.

The class action suit, spearheaded by convicted murderer Ernest Tope, was filed on behalf of more than 20,000 state prisoners over the department’s newly implemented policy that bars inmates from accessing magazines such as Playboy or Penthouse.

According to the complaint, the prison also can ban sexually explicit letters and mainstream publications that might feature nudity. Tope is serving a life sentence at Pendleton Correctional Facility.

Prisoners say the new policy violates their civil rights.

“The policy is written so broadly that it includes within its prohibitions such things as personal letters between prisoners and loved ones and much of the world’s great literature and art,” said the complaint, obtained by the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette, which was prepared by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana.

Tope is especially peeved because he can no longer receive Easyriders, a motorcycle enthusiast magazine, because it contains partial nudity. The new guidelines also might bar racy, romantic novels that have been available through the prison library in the past.

Both Tope and the other named plaintiff, Wade Meisberger, a murder and auto theft felon, have formally challenged the new guidelines through the prison grievance system, but have been unsuccessful.

The plaintiffs seek a ban on the policy in addition to attorneys fees.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More