FSC Sues Tennessee Over AV Law, Seeks Preliminary Injunction

FSC Sues Tennessee Over AV Law, Seeks Preliminary Injunction

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Free Speech Coalition, along with a group of adult industry stakeholders, has filed a legal challenge to Tennessee’s age verification law and requested an expedited preliminary injunction against enforcement.

The complaint, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, argues that SB 1792 violates the First Amendment.

“Engaging in legal speech is not a criminal act,” FSC Executive Director Alison Boden said in a statement. “This law, and others like it, have effectively become state censorship, creating a massive chilling effect for those who deal in sex or sexuality, and creating significant privacy risk for Tennesseans who want to access sexual health information, adult content, or any other controversial speech.”

The bill was passed into law by the Tennessee legislature in April on a unanimous, bipartisan vote and is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1. As XBIZ has reported, the Tennessee law is considered particularly dangerous because — unlike some other states’ AV bills that attempt to circumvent free-speech issues by making adult sites liable to civil suits — it empowers the state attorney general to bring felony criminal charges against websites with “material harmful to minors” if they do not require visitors to upload a government ID, scan their face, or otherwise verify their age and identity.

Free Speech Coalition has challenged similar laws in Indiana, Montana, Texas, Louisiana, and Utah, securing preliminary injunctions in Indiana and Texas. The Texas case, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, will be heard by the United States Supreme Court in January.

Joining FSC as co-plaintiffs in the Tennessee case are content creator and educator MelRose Michaels, sex education platform O.school, sexual wellness retailer Adam & Eve, and adult fan platform JustFor.Fans.

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

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.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Paysite 'RealGirlsFuck' Relaunches as 'Taboolu.com'

Producer/performer Josh Lewis has relaunched his paysite, RealGirlsFuck, as Taboolu.com.

Show More