Obscenity
Conservative Pundits Baselessly Link 'Pornography' to Mass Shootings
Two prominent conservative newspapers, the Washington Times and the Echo Times, have now published evidence-free op-eds blaming “pornography” as one of the causes of the recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas and other locations.
Indonesian Authorities Continue 'Obscenity' Prosecution of Popular OnlyFans Creator
Indonesian authorities have confirmed they will continue the criminal prosecution of popular OnlyFans creator Dea Gresaids, days after the influencer told the court that she is pregnant.
Supreme Court Puts Texas Online Platform Liability Law on Hold
In an unusual 5-4 vote that did not follow ideological lines, the Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a controversial Texas social media law that would have made social media platforms liable for moderating content based on what the law defined as “viewpoints.”
Ohio Republican Senate Candidate JD Vance Calls for 'Outright Ban' on Porn
Recent coverage of Ohio Republican J.D. Vance, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, has foregrounded a year-old interview with a Catholic publication where he calls for an “outright ban” on porn.
Virginia Republicans Revive Obscure Anti-Porn Law to Ban Books
Two Republican politicians in Virginia have revived an obscure anti-pornography law not invoked in decades to ask a judge for a restraining order preventing Barnes & Noble from selling certain books the lawmakers find objectionable to minors.
Proposed Oklahoma Bill Aims to Outlaw 'Giving Porn to the Homeless'
A strange new bill introduced by Oklahoma State Senator Rob Standridge would make it illegal to knowingly give “obscene material” to a “vulnerable person,” explicitly including unhoused people.
Instagram Influencer Detained by Bali Authorities for 'Obscenity'
A Russian influencer who posted on Instagram a semi-nude photo of herself in Bali last weekend was detained by police after a local celebrity politician alerted the authorities to a supposed act of “obscenity.”
Indian Police Begin Arresting People for Porn on Their Phones
Police in the western Indian state of Gujarat have launched a “digital combing” initiative, stopping people they consider “suspicious” in order to inspect their phones and ascertain whether they are committing the crime of “sharing and circulating pornographic material.”
Sen. Rick Scott's GOP Platform Proposes Return to 'Obscenity' Prosecutions
Florida Senator Rick Scott’s proposal for the first new Republican Party platform since 2014 includes a section claiming there is an “explosion of pornography” and that a GOP administration “must defend the American family from societal elements that erode it” by reviving federal obscenity prosecutions.
Texas Republicans Fudge Distinction Between 'Obscenity,' 'Pornography'
Several Texas Republican politicians who have been campaigning against supposed “pornography” in classrooms — including Governor Greg Abbott — were asked by the Houston Chronicle to define the term, but most of them either refused to reply or provided erroneous definitions, conflating the term with "obscenity."
Washington Post Publishes Warning About Current 'War on Porn'
The Washington Post published an opinion piece yesterday offering a cautionary historical perspective on how anti-pornography crusades like the current War on Porn end up harming marginalized groups like sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community.
Senators Rush EARN IT Act Through Committee as Controversy Mounts
The controversial EARN IT Act, a proposed overhaul of internet rules that digital rights groups and sex worker advocates have overwhelmingly denounced as a threat to free speech, unanimously passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning and is moving forward towards a Senate vote.
Singapore's Top OnlyFans Creator Charged With 'Obscenity'
Titus Low, one of Singapore’s top-rated OnlyFans creators, was arrested last week and charged with “transmitting obscene material via electronic means.”
Russia Tightens Internet Censorship Through Fines for 'Banned Content'
A year after Vladimir Putin announced sweeping measures to regulate internet content, a Russian court today fined Google nearly $100 million for “systematic failure to remove banned content,” which encompasses both political and social messaging of which the Moscow government does not approve, and almost all adult material online.
Russia May Restrict All LGBTQ+ Depictions, Start 'Toxic' Registry
A powerful Russian MP known for homophobic statements and projects unveiled last week a bill proposal that would classify all depictions of LGBTQ+ relationships in the same banned or restricted categories as pornography.
Thailand: Activist Group Formally Proposes Repeal of Anti-Porn Law
A group led by a local OnlyFans creator and a pro-democracy activist formally submitted yesterday a petition to amend Thai law and legalize the production and distribution of adult content in Thailand.
Texas Governor Rails Against 'Obscene, Pornographic' Books
Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a strongly-worded letter to the state’s Association of School Boards endorsing a group of parents who demanded their children be “shielded” from some books in school libraries, referring to the material as “clearly pornographic images and substance” and “obscene content.”
Senator Josh Hawley Blames 'The Left,' Feminism for Rise in Porn Viewership
Senator Josh Hawley told a Florida audience gathered at a conservative conference this weekend that a supposed attack on traditional masculinity from “the left” and feminism has resulted in “more and more men” consuming porn.
Florida Judge: Cops Can Decide What is 'Obscene' While Making Arrests
Florida Judge Marcia Morales Howard ruled this week that police officers who arrested and charged a local man for “obscenity” over a First Amendment-protected rear-window sticker reading “I EAT ASS” are not liable for the financial and emotional harm they caused the driver, thanks to the controversial doctrine of “qualified immunity.”
FSC Hires Lobbyists to Represent Adult Industry in DC
Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has hired Washington, D.C. lobbying firm Clarity Consulting to develop relationships in Congress and other public policy centers that would allow adult industry concerns to be heard in matters that directly affect the sector.