The First Amendment does not prevent states from requiring online purveyors of pornography to implement reasonable age-verification measures to protect children from harm.
As co-leader of a 24-state coalition, Attorney General Todd Rokita pressed this point in an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court recently.
The court is considering a constitutional challenge to a Texas law requiring websites hosting large amounts of obscene material harmful to children to implement a reasonable age-verification system. That law is similar to an Indiana law passed by the General Assembly. It reflects that states have long had the authority to prevent minors from accessing obscene materials, including pornography.
“Not only do states have the authority to prevent pornography websites from providing children with hardcore porn, but they have a responsibility to do so,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The truth is that exposure to porn — much of which touts sexual violence — causes real harm to minors. It hurts them emotionally, intellectually, psychologically, sexually and socially. So, there are compelling reasons to prevent minors from viewing pornography. Children are a precious gift from God. As a public servant, I’ll always support parents in the mission to protect our kids.”
Many other adult industries — such as alcohol, gambling and tobacco — already employ age-verification technology.
Authorities arrest two in Lawrence County
Sumner to get grant for water system expansion
Knox County man sentenced to prison
Flooding impacting an area local utility, flood-prone homes to be disconnected
Embarras River Flood Warning extended
EIU Super-Sectional game audio: Lawrenceville 48, LeRoy 26 (original air date March 9, 2026)
Lawrence County authorities make three weekend arrests
IDHS focuses on raising awareness during Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 8-14
Edward Charles Ballinger, 65, Vincennes
Rose named to Illinois Senate leadership team
Indiana earns top credit rating from major agency
LCMH to host Girls Night Out
Knox County extends road weight limits
BFPD announces officer promotions
Red Cross seeks donations to curb severe blood shortage
