Senator Mike Lee of Utah has proposed a new bill to tackle the issue of pornography and define what counts as obscene content. Together with Representative Mary Miller from Illinois, Lee introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) aimed at regulating obscene material exchanged across state lines.
Lee emphasized that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment. He noted that outdated definitions have allowed harmful pornography to spread throughout society, often reaching children. The proposed bill seeks to modernize the legal standards for determining obscenity, making it easier to identify and act against such content.
The act focuses on providing clear definitions of obscenity applicable to today’s digital landscape, replacing vague criteria that have been difficult to enforce. It suggests standards that are straightforward and practical, helping law enforcement effectively address this pressing concern.
The current legal framework for obscenity stems from a Supreme Court decision in 1973, meaning it can be subjective and unclear. This ambiguity often leads to challenges in the courtroom, sometimes enabling offenders to evade consequences, according to Lee’s team.
The IODA defines obscenity based on the intent to appeal to inappropriate sexual interests, while also identifying material that lacks significant literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Importantly, it removes the requirement to prove intent when it comes to sharing obscene content, which helps law enforcement restore control over these dangerous materials.
Representative Miller expressed pride in leading this initiative alongside Senator Lee, asserting that the act will help protect families and keep harmful material out of homes and off screens. The bill represents a step forward in safeguarding community values in the face of increasing exposure to explicit content.
