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.
GE Aerospace to make millions of dollars of investment in Terre Haute, Lafayette
Phelps looks to claim Vermillion County Commissioner District 2 seat
Rodney Atkins to perform at Putnam County Fairgrounds
Smith looks to punch ticket to Rockville Town Board seat
Safe Zones enforcement to resume on I-70 in Hancock Co., begin on I-65 in Jasper Co.
IDHS focuses on raising awareness during Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 8-14
Parke Heritage to Martinsville, North Vermillion headed to Frankfort for boys regionals
Martin looks to bring experience to Parke County Commissioner District 2 Seat
Penny-rounding for retailers
No intentional wrongdoing alleged in crash blamed for death of US Rep. Baird’s wife
Hoover looks to turn Parke County Commissioner District 2 seat Blue
Indiana earns top credit rating from major agency
Fairview Park receives OCRA grant to rehab water system
Daytime flagging operations to impact U.S. 41 for tree clearing for a future project
Rosedale man charged with child molesting, soliciting
Red Cross seeks donations to curb severe blood shortage
Greencastle - Parke Heritage again, South Putnam vs Southmont on GIANT fm Sports
Bill to increase access to veterinarians signed into law
INDOT implements new roadway worker safety initiative: Project Greenlight
