FSC: SBA Loan Application 'Does Not Seem to Exclude' All Adult Businesses

FSC: SBA Loan Application 'Does Not Seem to Exclude' All Adult Businesses

LOS ANGELES — Adult industry trade group the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a policy statement clarifying their position on the language in the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application “which might appear to specifically discriminate against adult businesses,” and on the confusing word “prurient” in particular.

Here’s the FSC statement:

Many FSC members have raised concerns about a provision in the new Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which might appear to specifically discriminate against adult businesses.

In order to qualify for the SBA Loan, applicants are required to check several boxes, one of which requires them to attest that their business is not involved in performances or sales of a “prurient sexual nature":

“Applicant does not present live performances of a prurient sexual nature or derive directly or indirectly more than de minimis gross revenue through the sale of products or services, or the presentation of any depictions or displays, of a prurient sexual nature.”

Some have feared that adult businesses are entirely excluded from the loan program. While there have been no rulings on the matter, and thus we can not provide any definitive legal recommendations, the language may be narrower than first assumed.

Why? Because the word “prurient” has a specific meaning in the context of court rulings on obscenity. “Prurient” is defined as a “shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion,”  and has historically been used to identify “obscene” content that is not protected by the First Amendment. (In the past several decades, only a handful of works have been deemed prurient, and thus obscene.)

Most of our members would not define their work or the products they sell as “shameful” or “morbid,” but instead as natural and healthy.

We cannot advise whether or not a specific applicant should check that box — for that, we recommend speaking with an experienced First Amendment attorney. However, as it’s written, the loan application does not seem to exclude all adult businesses.

Please note: In the “Paycheck Protection Program," which is administered by banks, rather than the SBA, some banks are apparently disqualifying any “sexually oriented business.” That is not a requirement of the federal government but private discrimination by certain banks. It is unclear if there are legal avenues to address that private discrimination. For that, we’d also recommend you check with an experienced First Amendment attorney.

For more from the FSC, visit their webpage and follow the group on Twitter.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 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

Sinatra Monroe Toplines New Digital Playground Comedy 'Single Minded'

Sinatra Monroe headlines the new comedy feature from Digital Playground, titled "Single Minded."

Adult Time Launches New Series 'Preggo World'

Adult Time has released the first episode of its new series “Preggo World,” titled “18 & Pregnant.”

Alexis James Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Alexis James has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Victor Ray.

Tyler Wu Guests on Chaturbate's 'Sex Tales' Podcast

Tyler Wu is the latest guest on Chaturbate’s “Sex Tales” podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Lucy Hart Stars in Mainstream Slasher Flick 'Director's Cut'

Long-time performer Lucy Hart has stepped outside the world of adult, starring in a new mainstream slasher movie, "Director's Cut," that premiered this weekend in theaters across the U.S.

Fleshy to Launch Interactive Cam Site 'Eremote'

Male pleasure brand Fleshy has announced that it will launch an interactive, bidirectional cam site next month called Eremote.

Rae Lil Black, Rikako Katayama Star in Latest From Vored

Rae Lil Black and Rikako Katayama star in the latest release from Hentaied.pro studio brand Vored, titled "Sinful Taste."

XBIZ LA Show Introduces New 'Crib Crawl' Feature

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of its flagship conference, the XBIZ Show, will debut a brand-new feature: Crib Crawl, offering attendees the chance to meet and greet representatives from leading brands and organizations in dedicated suites at the host venue.

Sage Hunter Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Sage Hunter has made her Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) debut alongside studio honcho Bryan Gozzling.

Gal Ritchie: From British Dominatrix to Rising L.A. Starlet

Gal Ritchie left her home in the U.K. and arrived in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2023. She remembers the exact date because it was such a key moment in her life.

Show More