WI no obscenity laws?

NapoleonXIV

Banned
WI there were no obscenity laws in the USA? of any type, ever, anytime? a specific prohibition of same being written into the Bill of Rights and defended as zealously as gun ownership is now, throughout US history?
 
I've heard that breaking obscenity laws can get you registered as a sex offender on a public database for 25 years, effectively ruining your life (can't get a job, housing etc, etc etc). Is that true?
 
I've heard that breaking obscenity laws can get you registered as a sex offender on a public database for 25 years, effectively ruining your life (can't get a job, housing etc, etc etc). Is that true?

Dunno, depends where.


If the participants are over the age of consent and it doesn't involve molesting dumb animals, I don't think it's the job of the govt. to interfere with anything anyone does or wishes to distribute to others over that age (although I grant there should be some limits on what is broadcast on non-subscription media).
 

~The Doctor~

If the participants are over the age of consent and it doesn't involve molesting dumb animals, I don't think it's the job of the govt. to interfere with anything anyone does or wishes to distribute to others over that age (although I grant there should be some limits on what is broadcast on non-subscription media).

As long as it goes on behind closed doors... it's no business of the state.

Public nudity? does that involves bare breasts on beaches? my misstake
of course it does foolish me, I feel sorry for you abiding that kind of stupidity.

:rolleyes: Nude beaches are the exception, genius.
 
I can't imagine no obscenity laws at all--given Christian attitudes towards sex and that the US is largely Christian in terms of numbers, it strikes me as improbable that there wouldn't be legislation at least regulating the portrayal of things that many people view as immoral and disgusting.

However, IIRC laws against kiddie porn were fairly lax if not nonexistent until the 1970s. Changes in the laws governing this could be delayed or never happen, although given what kiddie porn essentially IS (evidence of a crime), it strikes me as something that would get regulated once someone figures out just what's going.

Also, IIRC, early Hollywood was fairly loose in terms of what was portrayed, at least until the Hayes Code, the Catholic Legion of Decency, etc. Perhaps, for whatever reason, they don't get involved at all?
 
I can't imagine no obscenity laws at all--given Christian attitudes towards sex and that the US is largely Christian in terms of numbers, it strikes me as improbable that there wouldn't be legislation at least regulating the portrayal of things that many people view as immoral and disgusting.

Surely as long as what they portray is legal (i.e. conducted by consenting adults) and provided only to adults, it's incongruous with the (supposed) US ideals of individual liberty, non-intervention and free trade.
 
Surely as long as what they portray is legal (i.e. conducted by consenting adults) and provided only to adults, it's incongruous with the (supposed) US ideals of individual liberty, non-intervention and free trade.

Thing is, particularly with the Internet, it's very easy to find by non-adults.

Furthermore, some stuff portrayed in porn isn't legal everywhere--there were sodomy laws on the books until relatively recently, plus depictions of certain things (BDSM, bestiality, rape) are considered obscene in many jurisdictions in and of themselves.

Plus, as far as individual liberty is concerned, many Christian conservatives and feminists both believe that many women in pornography are coerced. If that is the case (which it may not be), than porn (at least featuring performers who've been badgered or outright forced into it) is antithetical to American notions of liberty.

Besides, just b/c something doesn't make sense doesn't mean it won't get done. :)
 
Thing is, particularly with the Internet, it's very easy to find by non-adults.

That's parents ducking out of responsibility. Otherwise you could argue that alcohol was bad because some parent buy it for their kids.

Furthermore, some stuff portrayed in porn isn't legal everywhere--there were sodomy laws on the books until relatively recently, plus depictions of certain things (BDSM, bestiality, rape) are considered obscene in many jurisdictions in and of themselves.

I'm talking about the civilised West, where pretty much everything (everything?) is legal between consenting adults: even if they want to play-act rape fantasies.

Plus, as far as individual liberty is concerned, many Christian conservatives and feminists both believe that many women in pornography are coerced. If that is the case (which it may not be), than porn (at least featuring performers who've been badgered or outright forced into it) is antithetical to American notions of liberty.

But who's being most coerced? Those who make a lot of money out of it by performing/orchestrating it, or those who spend money to view it?

Undoubtedly there is an element of coercion regarding people trafficking and sex slaves, but that's like outlawing immigration because some illegal immigrants get shafted by some people arranging transfer to new countries.


Besides, just b/c something doesn't make sense doesn't mean it won't get done. :)

I know, but it's hardly proper to proscribe individual liberty based merely upon unthinking gut reactions.
 
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