日本語
한국어
Tiếng Việt
简体中文
A new legislative effort is underway aiming to redefine and criminalize pornography at the federal level in the United States. Spearheaded by Republican Senator Mike Lee, the proposed bill, known as the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), seeks to update the legal framework surrounding obscenity in the digital age.
Senator Lee, representing Utah, along with Illinois Republican Rep. Mary Miller, introduced the IODA with the goal of amending the Supreme Court’s established “Miller Test” from 1973, which is used to determine what constitutes obscene material. According to a press release from Senator Lee, the current definitions are inadequate, allowing “extreme pornography to saturate American society and reach countless children.”
The bill’s objective is to provide a clearer, more enforceable definition of obscenity that can be applied to online content. Supporters argue this would allow for the removal of such material and the prosecution of those who distribute it. The updated definition aims to address concerns about the accessibility of explicit content, particularly to minors.
The implications of the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act could be far-reaching, potentially reshaping the landscape of online content and raising significant First Amendment considerations. The debate over the bill is expected to be robust, with discussions focusing on the balance between protecting free speech and safeguarding children.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.