GOP lawmakers target online pornography, propose interstate ban on obscene content

Sen Mike Lee R-Utah introduced a bill aimed at criminalizing pornography and defining what is obscene and what is not Lee and Rep Mary Miller R-Ill introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act IODA for all states which if passed would make it illegal to transmit obscene content across state lines while also making it easier to prosecute Obscenity isn t protected by the First Amendment but hazy and unenforceable legal definitions have allowed extreme pornography to saturate American society and reach countless children Lee stated in a news release Our bill updates the legal definition of obscenity for the internet age so this content can be taken down and its peddlers prosecuted The IODA attempts to clarify the definition of obscenity in all states and gives updated descriptions that are suited to modern content LAWS PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ONLINE PORN ARE WINNING IN PARTICULAR STATES AS ACTIVISTS PUSH NATIONWIDE SOLUTIONSpecifically the new definition removes the current law s dependence on ever-changing and elusive general opinion and replaces it with practical standards that make obscenity identifiable according to Lee s unit Lee and Miller could not be reached by Fox News Digital for comment on their proposed bill The current legal definition of obscenity originated from a Supreme Court episode and the standards are subjective and vague making it complicated to apply to any material PORNHUB SHUTS DOWN WEBSITE IN TEXAS AFTER GETTING SUED UNDER AGE VERIFICATION LAWBecause the pre-internet standards are so vague they often present challenges in court when it comes to defining what is obscene and ultimately allow criminals to evade prosecution the press release noted Lee s IODA defines obscenity within the Communications Act of and appeals to the prurient interest in nudity sex or excretion PORNHUB PARENT COMPANY SUED BY TEXAS AG FOR FAILING TO VERIFY USERS' AGESThe bill also depicts describes or represents actual or simulated sex acts intended to arouse titillate or gratify a person s sexual desires Adding to that the bill identifies obscene material as that which lacks serious literary artistic political or scientific value The IODA also removes the intent requirement which only prohibits the transmission of obscene material for the purpose of abusing threatening or harassing an individual The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act equips law enforcement with the tools they need to target and remove obscene material from the internet which is alarmingly destructive and far outside the bounds of protected free speech under the Constitution Miller stated I m proud to lead this effort in the House with Sen Lee to safeguard American families and ensure this dangerous material is kept out of our homes and off our screens