FSC Hires Federal Lobbyists to Fight for Industry Over Legislation, Financial Services

FSC Hires Federal Lobbyists to Fight for Industry Over Legislation, Financial Services

WASHINGTON — Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced it has retained the services of a federal lobbying group to represent the adult industry trade group in discussions with government officials regarding legislation that will impact adult businesses and workers.

This is the FSC statement:

Free Speech Coalition has hired Clarity Consulting, Inc., a D.C.-based government affairs firm, to advocate for the adult industry before Congress and Executive Branch regulatory agencies. Clarity will represent the adult industry in discussions with legislators and regulatory agencies on a number of impending issues, including a spate of new bills threatening the rights and livelihoods of adult businesses and workers. Clarity will also work to ensure that members of the adult industry have fair and open access to banking and financial services.

“In the past six months, we’ve seen a wave of new, bipartisan legislation that could devastate our industry and our workers,” said Michelle L. LeBlanc, CEO of Free Speech Coalition. “We’re seeing Section 230 proposals on both the right and the left that would result in the wholesale de-platforming of adult businesses. We’re seeing anti-trafficking initiatives that target our banking access. We’re seeing calls for criminal investigations into legal adult businesses. We need to fight back.”

In January, FSC convened a Legislative Committee to monitor legislation that could impact adult businesses and their workers. More than a dozen bills have since been identified and analyzed, with additional regressive legislation like SISEA and the EARN IT Act expected to be reintroduced later this year. Similarly, omnibus bills like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are both up for reauthorization, and are likely to include attempts to crack down on the adult industry under the guise of trafficking.

Members of the FSC Legislative Committee successfully secured meetings with House and Senate offices, including those of Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). But it quickly became apparent that in order to effectively combat the rapidly emerging legislation, FSC would need a stronger, more dedicated presence in Washington.

Clarity brings over four decades of experience navigating legislative and regulatory processes in Washington. Principals Shawn Delaney and Keith Nelson are attorneys who have served in numerous official capacities, including as state and federal prosecutors, as well as positions in the House, Senate, the White House, the Department of Justice and various other federal agencies.

FSC has established a separate defense fund outside of member dues to support this essential lobbying and advocacy work. We are asking those who are passionate about our industry and willing to fight for it to contribute directly — FSC membership is not required. If you are interested in becoming more involved with FSC’s advocacy work, please email info@freespeechcoalition.com.

“Our voices need to be heard on Capitol Hill,” said LeBlanc. “Whether you are an adult business or performer, you understand the effect of de-platforming. You understand the effect of banking discrimination. You understand what happens when the religious censors target a business. None of us are immune, and we need to be all in on this fight.”

Click here to contribute to the FSC Lobbying Fund.

Find membership details here and follow FSC on Twitter.

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

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Creator Networking App 'Plaiir' Launches

Plaiir, a mobile networking app for creators, has officially launched.

Swedish Court Rules LELO Products Do Not Infringe 'Invalid' Satisfyer Patent

A Swedish district court has ruled that a patent filed by Satisfyer parent company EIS GmbH is not valid, and therefore three products from pleasure brand LELO are not in violation.

North Dakota House Committee Questions Anti-Porn 'Public Health Hazard' Claim

The North Dakota House of Representatives Education Committee on Monday amended a resolution that would have recognized pornography as a “public health hazard,” instead replacing that language with a call for further study into whether such a designation is appropriate.

Show More