ESPLER Project Changes Strategy Over Challenge to Calif. Prostitution Statute

ESPLER Project Changes Strategy Over Challenge to Calif. Prostitution Statute

SAN FRANCISCO — ESPLER Project tonight said that it has changed its legal strategy and will no longer pursue an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court of a recent appellate decision over California’s anti-prostitution law.

ESPLER Project, known to many also as the Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project, challenged the legality of California Penal Code 647(b), claiming it is unconstitutional. It sued the state of the California, seeking an injunction over its enforcement.

With that announcement today, the group also revealed a revamped legal strategy to challenge the constitutionality of the same law, but this time in the California state court system, “starting in Superior Court.”

Industry attorney Louis Sirkin said that a major reason to drop the challenge before U.S. Supreme Court was that Justice Anthony Kennedy was retiring.

“We were disappointed that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals missed an opportunity to declare that the Constitution protects the right of consenting adults to engage in private sexual activity,” Sirkin said in a statement. “We were also disappointed that their decision relied on a 1998 case (IDK Inc. v. Clark County), which has since been clearly superseded by Lawrence v. Texas, the 2003 Supreme Court case which struck down sodomy laws nationwide and established a constitutional right to sexual privacy.”

Phil Thomas, an ESPLER Project board member, said: “With Justice Kennedy now retiring and no longer available to review his majority opinion in Lawrence v. Texas — an opinion that affirmed sexual privacy and being the key cases underpinning our case — there are too many unknowns in the federal court system. With him gone, and whoever is appointed, we are assuming that the Supreme Court will swing significantly against civil rights in general. So, we do not see the sense of filing an appeal to a hostile Supreme Court. Better to seek protection in the California state court system.”

Contributions to support ESPLER Project can be submitted through its crowd fundraiser, LitigateToEmancipate.com.

Related:  

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

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Ryan Keely Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Ryan Keely stars with Victor Cruz in the latest release from New Sensations.

Zariah Aura Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Kenna James in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Feeling Her Way."

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Brittney Kade Fronts 'Couples Loving Trans 2' From GenderX

Brittney Kade stars with Adira Allure and Sage Roux in the second volume of GenderX Films' "Couples Loving Trans," directed by Jim Powers.

Eve Sweet Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Eve Sweet has made her Brazzers debut alongside Xander Corvus in “Horny Gymnast.”

Penny Barber: The Fit Mommy Domme Reveals Her Auteur Side

When Penny Barber took home the 2025 XMAs trophy for MILF Performer of the Year, she was 39 — but she’d already been telling people she was a MILF for almost 20 years.

Show More