"Proposed Interstate Obscenity Definition Act: Redefining Pornography Laws in the United States"
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"Proposed Interstate Obscenity Definition Act: Redefining Pornography Laws in the United States"
[!CDATA[A new bill introduced by Sen. Mike Lee aims to redefine obscenity laws in the United States by including all forms of pornography under the definition of obscenity. The proposed Interstate Obscenity Definition Act would make it illegal to distribute or consume porn that lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, regardless of its intent. Rep. Mary Miller supports the bill, stating that it would provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to remove obscene material from the internet. The act would broaden the definition of obscenity to include any depiction of sexual acts that do not meet the specified criteria. It would also eliminate the requirement of intent for the transmission of obscenity, as currently only porn intended to abuse, threaten, or harass someone is prohibited. This proposed legislation would expand the scope of obscenity as defined by previous Supreme Court cases. Critics of the bill, such as Thomas C. Arthur from Emory University School of Law, argue that defining and banning "obscene material" poses challenges under First Amendment principles. Arthur believes that restricting porn could have negative implications on freedom of expression and societal norms. However, Lee asserts that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment and aims to update the legal definition of obscenity for the digital age. The bill was influenced by Project 2025, a conservative policy plan advocating for the outlawing of pornography and imprisonment of those involved in its production and distribution. Adult industry attorney Corey D. Silverstein views the proposed law as a de facto ban on pornography, while Ricci Levy, president of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, suggests that legislators are attempting to turn Project 2025's policy recommendations into law.]]