The latest in the fight for adult industry rights

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Dear FSC Supporters,

I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the 2024 FSC Summit at XBIZ LA! Our panelists led engaging discussions on critical topics such as age verification, banking discrimination, the establishment of an adult industry credit union, and more. The evening concluded with a delightful member happy hour, and we’re so grateful for those who could attend! Members can access videos of the Summit sessions in the FSC member portal ( [link removed] ).

Yesterday, we hosted an industry webinar entitled, Media Training for Advocacy. Mike Stabile and an amazing group of panelists shared tactics to equip creators, directors, platform operators, and industry members with essential skills for effectively communicating with the press, legislators, and other stakeholders about issues vital to our community.

Meanwhile, the fight against age verification legislation is rapidly heating up, with 39 bills introduced ( [link removed] ) in 25 states so far. FSC has been pushing back forcefully ( [link removed] ) against these measures, but we urgently need your help. Stay informed by subscribing to our action alerts ( [link removed] ) , ensuring you are prepared when similar bills emerge in your state.
As we gear up for the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead, I want to thank our incredible members. Your support is what enables to do this important work.

Sincerely,

*Alison Boden*
*Executive Director, Free Speech Coalition*

The Latest at FSC

FSC Tackles AV Bills In States

Over the past few weeks, bills in Arizona ( [link removed] ) , Delaware ( [link removed] ) , Illinois ( [link removed] ) , Indiana ( [link removed] ) , Michigan ( [link removed] ) , New Hampshire ( [link removed] ) , South Carolina ( [link removed] ) and other states ( [link removed] ) have been considered in committee — and FSC has been there to fight back. We’ve been busy contacting legislators, testifying at hearings, mobilizing supporters, and offering legislators alternatives that will actually keep minors from accessing adult content.

While some politicians in deeply conservative states may be unswayed, we’ve been making real progress in others. A bill in New Hampshire — which initially seemed poised to pass — was ultimately voted down 16-2 after FSC and other advocates reached out to legislators.

We sent FSC’s Director of Public Policy, Mike Stabile, to testify in person in two ( [link removed] ) hearings ( [link removed] ) in Arizona last week. While the bills did pass out of committee, they were severely hobbled and neither had the support needed to proceed directly to a floor vote. We’re optimistic that they can be stopped.

And thanks to our outreach to legislators and allies, bills in other states have been delayed or held back from committee consideration all together, stopping them in their tracks. Read more here. ( [link removed] )

A Credit Union For The Adult Industry

The Free Speech Coalition is exploring a new response to the financial discrimination ( [link removed] ) this industry has suffered for decades – opening a federal credit union! In order to be granted a charter ( [link removed] ) , we’re required to survey prospective credit union members and show that there’s enough support to make the project a success. To fill out the survey please visit freespeechcoalition.com/survey ( [link removed] ).

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FSC In the News

*Republican Crusade Against Online Porn Raises First Amendment Questions*

"Mike Stabile, director of public affairs for the Free Speech Coalition, a nonprofit that represents the pornography industry, told the Senate Committee on Technology, Transportation and Missing Children on Monday that the states enacting similar laws have found that users are not complying with the changes. Additionally, Stabile voiced concerns about the access governments would have to the data collected. " Read more on AZ Miror. ( [link removed] )

*Conservative Influencers Are Using AI To Cover Up Photos Of Sex Workers*

“'It’s about controlling representations of women in society. It’s that ultimately women can’t be trusted to make their own decisions about whether to take off their clothes or get tattoos or put on clothes,' Stabile said. 'It’s infantilization, and ultimately these men, by and large, are going to make the decision. If you don’t want to do it, at least in their world they’re going to make that change.'” Read more on NBC News. ( [link removed] )

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Other Industry News

Masturbation Abstinence Is Popular Online. Doctors And Therapists Are Worried

There has been a rise of online communities promoting abstinence from masturbation, particularly through the lens of the NoFap movement. Led by figures like the YouTuber iamLucid, they advocate for refraining from porn and masturbation as a path to self-improvement and masculinity. Concerns arise regarding the dissemination of inaccurate medical information, the potential overlap with extremist ideologies, and the perpetuation of misogyny and hate speech within these spaces. Scholars emphasize the need for evidence-based approaches to address concerns around sexual health and urge caution regarding the influence of online communities on vulnerable individuals. Read more on NPR. ( [link removed] )

This Lawmaker Wants To Jail People For Watching Porn

Dusty Deevers, a fundamentalist preacher and newly-elected state senator in Oklahoma, intertwines his religious beliefs with his political agenda. He seeks to enact laws based on his interpretation of Christian principles, including outlawing porn, criminalizing abortion, and abolishing no-fault divorce. Operating openly within the far-right Christian nationalist movement, Deevers embodies a divisive worldview that demonizes opposition and seeks to impose strict moral standards through legislation. Read more on Yahoo News. ( [link removed] )

It's Time To Retire Super Bowl 'Sex Trafficking' Stings And Myths

Law enforcement agencies often increase prostitution stings around the time of the Super Bowl, citing concerns about sex trafficking. However, there is little evidence to support the claim that large sporting events like the Super Bowl attract an influx of traffickers and victims. These stings primarily target consenting adults engaged in sex work, under the guise of combating trafficking. Despite efforts by sex worker advocacy groups to challenge these practices, the myth persists, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and leading to the criminalization and marginalization of sex workers. Read more on Reason. ( [link removed] )

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