Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee is making headlines in Washington with his latest legislative proposal, a nationwide pornography ban. His Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) has now made it to the committee stage, paving the way for a heated political and cultural debate over internet content and free expression.
The proposal has sparked heated debate, with supporters hailing it as a moral safeguard and critics warning that it could criminalize mainstream media and disrupt adult entertainment careers.
The bill, which is currently in committee, redefines "obscenity" for the digital age. Critics argue that its broad language threatens free expression and may have an impact on mainstream shows, while adult industry workers are concerned about the devastating economic consequences.
Senator Mike Lee's Interstate Obscenity Definition Act updates the 1934 Communications Act to make the definition of obscenity broader. The proposal says that any picture, video, or other visual content that shows or pretends to show sexual acts "with the intent to arouse" and doesn't have "serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value" could be a crime.
The "intent" safeguard is no longer there, which is a big change. Under current law, it is often necessary to prove malicious distribution in order to bring a case. Lee's plan said that even sharing this kind of material by accident could lead to punishments.
People who support free speech say that the bill's language is too vague and could be dangerous. Robert Corn-Revere, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's chief counsel, doesn't think it could pass a constitutional review because it could easily include popular shows like Game of Thrones.
People who work in the adult industry have also spoken out strongly against it. Alana Evans, president of the Adult Performance Artists Guild, said that the bill is "a real problem" for sex workers and content creators, especially those who make money through sites like OnlyFans. The law could apply to "softcore" content, which could hurt a lot of creators.
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The bill is very similar to the policy ideas in the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which is a conservative plan for changing how the U.S. government works. Lee sees the measure as an attempt to change American internet standards when it comes to morality, especially when it comes to keeping kids safe from explicit content.
Supporters say that the law would finally give police the clear guidelines they need to crack down on online obscenity in the digital age. Opponents say it's too much and could stifle LGBTQ+ voices, limit artistic expression, and force everyone in the country to follow the same moral code.
ALSO READ: Who was Danielle Spencer, child star of the ’70s sitcom, who passed away at 60?
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation now has the bill. Its future depends on whether lawmakers can find a way to balance constitutional protections with calls for stricter content regulation. Even though it is still unclear if it will pass in a divided Congress, the proposal has already started a national conversation about where to draw the line between free speech and morality.
It seeks to criminalize all pornography in the United States by redefining "obscenity" in federal law.
What makes the bill controversial?
Critics argue that its broad definition could jeopardize free speech and impact mainstream entertainment.
The proposal has sparked heated debate, with supporters hailing it as a moral safeguard and critics warning that it could criminalize mainstream media and disrupt adult entertainment careers.
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What does the bill want to change?
Senator Mike Lee's Interstate Obscenity Definition Act updates the 1934 Communications Act to make the definition of obscenity broader. The proposal says that any picture, video, or other visual content that shows or pretends to show sexual acts "with the intent to arouse" and doesn't have "serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value" could be a crime.
The "intent" safeguard is no longer there, which is a big change. Under current law, it is often necessary to prove malicious distribution in order to bring a case. Lee's plan said that even sharing this kind of material by accident could lead to punishments.
Why is it getting so much hate?
People who support free speech say that the bill's language is too vague and could be dangerous. Robert Corn-Revere, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's chief counsel, doesn't think it could pass a constitutional review because it could easily include popular shows like Game of Thrones.
People who work in the adult industry have also spoken out strongly against it. Alana Evans, president of the Adult Performance Artists Guild, said that the bill is "a real problem" for sex workers and content creators, especially those who make money through sites like OnlyFans. The law could apply to "softcore" content, which could hurt a lot of creators.
ALSO READ: iPhone 17 set to break records, and your wallet, in shocking US price hike
What are the bigger political effects?
The bill is very similar to the policy ideas in the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which is a conservative plan for changing how the U.S. government works. Lee sees the measure as an attempt to change American internet standards when it comes to morality, especially when it comes to keeping kids safe from explicit content.
Supporters say that the law would finally give police the clear guidelines they need to crack down on online obscenity in the digital age. Opponents say it's too much and could stifle LGBTQ+ voices, limit artistic expression, and force everyone in the country to follow the same moral code.
ALSO READ: Who was Danielle Spencer, child star of the ’70s sitcom, who passed away at 60?
Is it possible for this bill to pass?
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation now has the bill. Its future depends on whether lawmakers can find a way to balance constitutional protections with calls for stricter content regulation. Even though it is still unclear if it will pass in a divided Congress, the proposal has already started a national conversation about where to draw the line between free speech and morality.
FAQs
What does Senator Mike Lee's bill aim to accomplish?It seeks to criminalize all pornography in the United States by redefining "obscenity" in federal law.
What makes the bill controversial?
Critics argue that its broad definition could jeopardize free speech and impact mainstream entertainment.
