The latest in the fight for adult industry rights
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The Latest at FSC
Free Speech Coalition Asks Court to Block Utah Age-Verification Law
We are pleased to inform you that FSC has taken action by filing a motion for a preliminary injunction against the Utah age-verification law. This motion aims to halt the enforcement of the law until the case is resolved, and it has been submitted by FSC and other plaintiffs involved in the suit. In the motion, FSC presents a comprehensive analysis of legal precedents that have consistently struck down attempts to restrict access to sex-related content on the internet. We argue that legislators were not only aware of the constitutional issues surrounding these laws but also deliberately pursued them to suppress free speech. Read more on our blog. ( [link removed] )
Legislative Updates ( [link removed] )
We're here to keep you informed about the latest legislative developments affecting free speech and adult content. Here's what you need to know:
*Age Verification*
Last week, FSC took action by filing for a preliminary injunction to block Utah's age verification law from being enforced while our case is pending.
* Texas passed HB 1181, a peculiar spinoff of Louisiana's law that mandates sites to display false anti-porn propaganda. It awaits the Governor's signature and will take effect on September 1, 2023.
* The Louisiana Senate passed HB 77, granting the state's attorney general the power to enforce the age verification mandate alongside private lawsuits. It is awaiting the Governor's signature and will take effect on August 1, 2023.
*Free Expression*
* Oklahoma passed a concerning bill that makes it unlawful for individuals who pay for a sexual encounter to publish reviews of the experience or explicit details on websites that promote such activities. This bill is blatantly unconstitutional and will take effect on July 1, 2023.
*The Good News*
Several age verification bills failed, including the other two Texas bills, device filter mandates in Oklahoma and Missouri, and a recently-introduced Alabama bill.
Learn More ( [link removed] )
FSC In the News
*Utah's Elected Leaders Push Anti-Pornography Laws That Threaten Civil Liberties*
"Protecting kids is a worthy goal," Stabile said, "but this is legal speech and legal content, and adults have the right to consume it without getting governmental approval." Read more on Salt Lake City Weekly. ( [link removed] )
Age Verification: Unpacking A Web Of Laws And Controversies
The adult industry is facing a challenging landscape of age verification laws and controversies that impact their operations. FSC’s policy position paper, "Ineffective, Unconstitutional, and Dangerous: The Problem with Age Verification Mandates," expresses concerns about poorly formulated legislation and the lack of meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders. The industry finds itself caught between the goal of protecting minors and the burden of complying with inconsistent and complex regulations across different jurisdictions. Read more on XBIZ. ( [link removed] )
How Online Payments Services Like PayPal And Venmo Are 'Gentrifying The Internet"
Online payment services like PayPal and Venmo are facing criticism for making online adult entertainment less accessible. Sex workers are struggling to find financial institutions that will process their payments due to stricter rules enforced by payment processors in response to laws targeting illegal sex trafficking. This has led to account closures and financial discrimination against adult content creators, with nearly half of adult performers losing their financial services accounts. The inability to receive digital payments forces sex workers to rely on riskier in-person payment methods, posing potential dangers. Read more on The Street ( [link removed] ). ( [link removed] )
Florida Residents! Tell your Senators to Oppose SB 472! ( [link removed] )
29 AVS Bills Passed or Pending ( [link removed] )
Other Industry News
Pornhub Asks Users And Big Tech For Help As States Adopt Age Verification Laws
In response to the increasing regulatory focus on age verification, Pornhub has taken proactive steps to adapt. The platform has introduced mandatory identification checks and a new "restricted mode" for unverified users. Read more on CNN Buisness.
Lousiana Lawmakers Approve Bill Imposing Fines On Non-Compliant Porn Sites
Louisiana legislators have passed a bill that mandates fines for adult websites failing to verify the age of their users. Aimed at protecting minors from explicit content, the new law requires adult platforms to implement robust age verification measures or face financial penalties. Read more on WBRZ2. ( [link removed] )
Spanish Anti-Porn Activists Call For Stricter Legislation In Line With Utah And China
The Spanish adult industry is facing increasing pressure from anti-porn activists who are demanding stricter regulations similar to those enforced in Utah and China. As the industry navigates the ongoing debate surrounding adult content, these calls for tighter controls pose challenges and concerns for businesses. Balancing societal concerns with the preservation of freedom of expression becomes crucial as the industry engages with policymakers to find a fair and sustainable approach. Read more on XBIZ. ( [link removed] )
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*Biggest Challenges*
RedCheeks is currently facing censorship issues on social media and advertisements. They believe in normalizing discussions around intimacy. They also acknowledge the varying levels of censorship applied to different individuals on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.
*Upcoming Exciting Ventures*
RedCheeks has exciting plans on the horizon! In August, they will be launching a new cohort of workshops through RedCheeks Academy ( [link removed] ). But before that, in June, they are thrilled to participate in the Post Porn film festival ( [link removed] ) in Poland, where they will conduct their first in-person workshop—a mini version of their popular online workshop. Additionally, they are now offering consulting services for those interested in ethical production within the adult industry.
*The Future of the Adult Industry*
According to RedCheeks, the future of the adult industry will witness an increased demand for ethically produced content. People are becoming more aware of the media production process, focusing on quality rather than quantity. They anticipate that AI will play a significant role in shaping the industry, offering new technological advancements. Despite the challenges of censorship, RedCheeks believes it will inspire creativity and innovative solutions within the industry.
*Meaningful Experiences with FSC*
RedCheeks had a particularly impactful moment during a podcast episode with Alison from FSC. The support and involvement they received with RedCheeks Academy left a lasting impression, showcasing the importance of community and collaboration.
To learn more about RedCheeks, visit RedCheeks.org ( [link removed] ). Don't miss the opportunity to apply for RedCheeks Academy before June 21st and enjoy a €100 “RedCheeks Friends” discount on either early bird or full fee for any Intimacy on Screen workshop!
FSC
PO Box 10480 , Canoga Park , CA 91309
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