In a controversial move, Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers has introduced a legislative bill, SB593, aimed at banning pornography across the state and imposing severe penalties for its production, distribution, or possession. The bill, part of a broader effort to “restore moral sanity,” reflects a growing trend among conservative lawmakers to regulate adult content and enforce stricter moral laws.
If passed, the bill would mark a significant escalation in the fight against adult content, with violators facing up to 10 years in prison. This proposal has sparked widespread debate about morality, freedom of expression, and the implications of criminalizing adult content.
Under SB593, pornography would be outright prohibited in Oklahoma. Individuals involved in the production, distribution, or even possession of explicit content could face harsh legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to a decade. The bill also introduces even stricter penalties, ranging from 10 to 30 years in prison, for what it terms “organized pornography trafficking.” However, the bill’s language is vague, leaving questions about whether this provision targets explicit content creators or conflates it with sex trafficking operations.
This move aligns with Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda created during Donald Trump’s second term, which explicitly calls for banning pornography and criminalizing its creators.
Oklahoma already enforces stringent laws regulating access to adult content. For instance, an existing age-verification law requires residents to provide personal details, such as a digital ID, before accessing any website that contains a “substantial portion” (defined as over one-third) of explicit content. Due to these measures, popular platforms like Pornhub have ceased operations in the state.
The Arguments Behind the Legislation
In announcing the bill, Senator Deevers described pornography as a societal scourge, claiming it:
– “Destroys marriages and lives.”
– “Ruins innocence and warps young people’s perceptions of relationships and the opposite sex.”
– “Degrades human dignity and corrodes the moral fabric of society.”
Calling pornography an “addictive drug,” Deevers justified the proposed legislation as necessary for safeguarding the moral and psychological health of individuals, families, and communities.
Critics, however, note that porn addiction is not recognized by major psychological authorities, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). While certain studies have suggested that pornography can be used compulsively, other research has found no substantial evidence to classify it as an addiction. Instead, the perception of being “addicted” to pornography has been linked to increased psychological stress, often stemming from personal shame or societal stigmatization.
The Need for Comprehensive Sex Education
Many experts argue that banning pornography may not address the root issues that Senator Deevers seeks to resolve. Instead, they advocate for comprehensive sex education as a more effective solution.
Sex education teaches young people:
– Media literacy: Understanding that pornography is fictional and does not represent real-life relationships or intimacy.
– Anatomy and body awareness: Helping individuals understand their bodies and develop healthy attitudes about sex.
– Consent and healthy relationships: Empowering young people to navigate relationships responsibly.
However, sex education remains limited in the United States, particularly in states like Oklahoma. Currently, only 36 states and Washington, DC mandate some form of sex or HIV education. Oklahoma focuses primarily on abstinence and HIV prevention but does not require teaching about healthy relationships, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research organization for sexual and reproductive health.
This lack of comprehensive sex education leaves many young people without the tools to critically analyze the media they consume or develop informed attitudes about sex and relationships.
In addition to targeting pornography, SB593 also proposes stricter penalties for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), increasing the maximum prison term from 20 years to 30 years. While addressing CSAM is a critical and widely supported effort, critics argue that conflating adult content with criminal material like CSAM muddies the legislative intent and risks undermining genuine anti-trafficking efforts.
Senator Deevers did not stop at targeting adult content. Alongside SB593, he introduced several additional bills aimed at advancing a conservative social agenda in Oklahoma. These measures include:
– Abolishing abortion: Pushing for a complete ban, following similar efforts in other conservative states.
– Ending no-fault divorce: Making it more difficult for couples to separate without proving fault, such as infidelity or abuse.
– Banning Drag Queen Story Hour: Prohibiting events where drag performers read to children in libraries or other public spaces, a topic that has become a flashpoint in the culture wars.
If enacted, SB593 would place Oklahoma at the forefront of the national movement to criminalize adult content. Proponents argue it would protect families, uphold moral values, and combat the perceived dangers of pornography.
However, critics warn that such legislation raises serious concerns, including:
– Free speech violations: Adult content is protected under the First Amendment as a form of free expression.
– Overreach of government power: Criminalizing consensual production and consumption of legal adult material could set a dangerous precedent.
– Economic consequences: Adult content is a multibillion-dollar industry, and such measures could stifle innovation and harm individuals working in the sector.
Senator Dusty Deevers’ proposed bill to criminalize pornography in Oklahoma has ignited intense debate about morality, personal freedom, and government overreach. While supporters view it as a necessary step to protect society’s moral fabric, critics see it as an attack on free expression and individual rights.
As the bill moves forward, its outcome will likely have broader implications for the national conversation on adult content, censorship, and the balance between public morality and personal freedom. For now, the debate continues to divide policymakers, legal experts, and citizens alike.
