The New Bill Aiming to Rid the USA of Pornography
The latest page from the Project 2025 playbook looks to make porn illegal.
In a move that has ignited national debate, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) on May 12, 2025. This legislation seeks to criminalize the production, distribution, and potentially the possession of all pornography at the federal level by redefining "obscenity" in a manner that encompasses virtually all sexually explicit visual content. The bill aligns closely with the objectives outlined in the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint advocating for sweeping changes to federal governance and social policy.
Redefining Obscenity in the Digital Age
Under current U.S. law, "obscenity" is narrowly defined and not protected by the First Amendment. However, the IODA proposes a significant expansion of this definition. According to the bill, any visual depiction that "appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion" could be deemed obscene. This broad categorization raises concerns about potential overreach, with critics suggesting that even mainstream media containing sexual content could fall under this definition.
Senator Lee defended the bill, stating, "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." He emphasized the need to update legal definitions to address the proliferation of explicit content in the internet age.
Filmmakers like Erica Lust have champion new ethical highs in adult creation.
Alignment with Project 2025
The IODA reflects the goals of Project 2025, a comprehensive plan developed by the Heritage Foundation to reshape federal policies and institutions. Project 2025 advocates for the criminalization of pornography, viewing it as a societal ill comparable to addictive drugs. The plan calls for the prosecution of individuals and companies involved in the production and distribution of pornographic material and suggests that technology firms facilitating its spread should face legal consequences.
Project 2025's broader agenda includes dismantling certain federal agencies, reversing progressive policies, and promoting conservative social values. The introduction of the IODA is seen as a step toward realizing these objectives, particularly in the realm of regulating online content and reinforcing traditional moral standards.
While Trump says he doesn’t plan to follow Project 2025, 45% of what’s in it has already been implimented.
Implications and Public Response
The proposed legislation has sparked a wide range of reactions. Supporters argue that it is necessary to protect societal values and prevent the exposure of explicit content to minors. Opponents, however, raise concerns about potential violations of free speech rights and the practicality of enforcing such a broad ban. There is also apprehension about the bill's potential to criminalize a vast array of content, including educational materials and artistic expressions.
The debate over the IODA underscores the ongoing tension between efforts to regulate online content and the protection of individual freedoms. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is likely to face significant scrutiny and legal challenges.
For those paying attention, we wonder how might the expanded definition of "obscenity" in the IODA conflict with First Amendment protections of free speech and expression What practical difficulties could arise in enforcing a federal ban on all pornography, especially considering the vast amount of content available online?
