Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Texas Law Protecting Kids from Pornography
Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2025 – Today, the Unites States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case Free Speech Coalition v Paxton, which involved a Texas law that protects minors from accessing pornography and explicit content online. The Texas Values team will be present at the Supreme Court and will participate in the Protect Kids Online rally at 8:30 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the Supreme Court, along with allies Family Policy Alliance and American Principles Project.
In 2023, Texas passed HB 1181 by Representative Matt Shaheen that requires pornographic and sexually explicit websites to verify that their users are 18 years of age or older and creates civil penalties for entities who intentionally violate the law by allowing minors to access sexually explicit material online.
The adult entertainment non-profit, Free Speech Coalition sued claiming that the law violated their first amendment rights and they lost their court battle at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Free Speech Coalition appealed and the case is now at the U.S Supreme Court. The outcome of the case could determine the success of similar laws in other states.
Director of Government Relations, Mary Elizabeth Castle said:
“Texas passed the age verification law because our state understands that giving kids unfettered access to pornography is detrimental to their development, their relationships, and how they view themselves. After passing this life-saving law, we must continue the fight for Texas kids at the Supreme Court.”
Texas Values signed onto an amicus brief for the case along with other state family policy councils. Director of Government Relations Mary Elizabeth Castle will be a speaker at the rally and will be available for interviews on site. Additional members of the Texas Values law and policy team will be available for comments as well. Contact Ashley at media@txvalues.org or 737-314-2450 (m) to schedule an interview.
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About Texas Values
Texas Values is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.