Religion and Sex News: Stories About Religion and Sexuality
Religion and sex don’t always have a very good relationship. It’s not uncommon for people to try to censor sexual expression or sexual material because of religious taboos against them. This is especially true in America where Puritan attitudes continue to dominate. Many political and social conflicts in America today can be traced to religious conflicts of sexuality and sex-related issues. Read about some of the ways in which religion and sex interact today.
Teen Nudity, Child Pornography, and Sexuality
That America and European nations have different attitudes towards sex and especially teen sexuality is widely known. Sometimes, though, those differences come out so starkly and strongly that they can still surprise. Bravo is a teen magazine published in Germany which contains not just nudity, but photos of nude teens - boys and girls. Imagine if someone tried to publish this in America.
That America and European nations have different attitudes towards sex and especially teen sexuality is widely known. Sometimes, though, those differences come out so starkly and strongly that they can still surprise. Bravo is a teen magazine published in Germany which contains not just nudity, but photos of nude teens - boys and girls. Imagine if someone tried to publish this in America.
Religious Authoritarians Unite Against Porn
Not long ago I wrote about how homophobic, religious bigots in the Middle East were uniting against gays; now we have an example of religious authoritarians trying to unite in an effort to suppress pornography. Frank and graphic images of sex or sexuality are too much for some religious believers to bear
Not long ago I wrote about how homophobic, religious bigots in the Middle East were uniting against gays; now we have an example of religious authoritarians trying to unite in an effort to suppress pornography. Frank and graphic images of sex or sexuality are too much for some religious believers to bear
Christian Right Gets Government to Lie About Sex?
America's Christian Right holds a number of ideologically-driven positions on sex and sexuality which differ greatly from reality. Scientists and doctors would like to present the reality of sex to the American public but the Christian Right, through its control of the government, has been forcing professionals to deceive and mislead the American public.
America's Christian Right holds a number of ideologically-driven positions on sex and sexuality which differ greatly from reality. Scientists and doctors would like to present the reality of sex to the American public but the Christian Right, through its control of the government, has been forcing professionals to deceive and mislead the American public.
Ignorance is Not Bliss: Sex Education in Public Schools
Abstinence-only sex education in public schools is popular among religious conservatives and evangelicals (assuming that they permit any sex education at all), but are such programs effective? Just as importantly, do students want or need to be taught about sex by the state from a religious perspective?
Abstinence-only sex education in public schools is popular among religious conservatives and evangelicals (assuming that they permit any sex education at all), but are such programs effective? Just as importantly, do students want or need to be taught about sex by the state from a religious perspective?
Prudishness in India: Crackdown on Sexual Honesty
Hinduism has a long history of openness and frankness about not just sex, but sexual pleasure. Today, though, self-appointed morality police are cracking down and insisting that too many expressions of public affection must be banned. Some of this is coming from India's Muslim population, but some is coming from Hindus as well.
Hinduism has a long history of openness and frankness about not just sex, but sexual pleasure. Today, though, self-appointed morality police are cracking down and insisting that too many expressions of public affection must be banned. Some of this is coming from India's Muslim population, but some is coming from Hindus as well.
Columbia: Priest Compares Condoms to Guns
The town council of Tulua, Columbia, has had enough of the rising AIDS infection rates. Nothing else has worked to keep infections down, so they have passed a new law requiring all males over the age of 14 to carry a condom with them, just like their IDs. If they can't produce a condom when questioned by police, they can be fined. A local priest is upset, however.
The town council of Tulua, Columbia, has had enough of the rising AIDS infection rates. Nothing else has worked to keep infections down, so they have passed a new law requiring all males over the age of 14 to carry a condom with them, just like their IDs. If they can't produce a condom when questioned by police, they can be fined. A local priest is upset, however.
Taxing Pornography: Using Sex to Balance Budgets
Italy's budget for 2006 contains high taxes for pornography and sex goods of all types - 25% on just about everything except for subscriptions to porn channels which get away with a mere 10% value-added tax. Italy needs the money badly, but the government is also puritanical and probably hopes to limit porn this way. That, however, will also limit revenues. Which is more important to them?
Italy's budget for 2006 contains high taxes for pornography and sex goods of all types - 25% on just about everything except for subscriptions to porn channels which get away with a mere 10% value-added tax. Italy needs the money badly, but the government is also puritanical and probably hopes to limit porn this way. That, however, will also limit revenues. Which is more important to them?
Media Shouldn't Report on Porn Industry?
The Los Angeles Times has decided to cover the adult entertainment industry. It's legal and it's based in or around Los Angeles, so reporting news about the industry only makes sense - but the Christian Right objects. Why? Because such reporting doesn't fit with their agenda to make pornography illegal.
The Los Angeles Times has decided to cover the adult entertainment industry. It's legal and it's based in or around Los Angeles, so reporting news about the industry only makes sense - but the Christian Right objects. Why? Because such reporting doesn't fit with their agenda to make pornography illegal.
Sexual Freedom as Social Disorder
When religious conservatives complain about modernity, many of their attacks are directed at sexual matters: decoupling sex from reproduction, pornography, sex before marriage, homosexuality, etc. We find this with both Muslims and Christians, so what is the common thread?
When religious conservatives complain about modernity, many of their attacks are directed at sexual matters: decoupling sex from reproduction, pornography, sex before marriage, homosexuality, etc. We find this with both Muslims and Christians, so what is the common thread?
Pornography and Art: Can the Two Be Combined?
It is commonly believed that pornography can never be art because the purpose of pornography is solely to be sexually arousing while art, by definition, must have other aims. Is this distinction valid? Why can't something artistic aim to be sexual? Why can't something 'exclusively' sexual also have artistic value?
It is commonly believed that pornography can never be art because the purpose of pornography is solely to be sexually arousing while art, by definition, must have other aims. Is this distinction valid? Why can't something artistic aim to be sexual? Why can't something 'exclusively' sexual also have artistic value?
Pornography, not Terrorism, is Justice Department's Top Priority
What should the top priority be for federal prosecutors: terrorism? Drugs? No, the top priority for federal prosecutors and the FBI is, at last in the Miami area, obscenity. Yes, the prosecution of otherwise legal pornography is more important than terrorists, drug dealers, espionage, child pornography, or anything else.
What should the top priority be for federal prosecutors: terrorism? Drugs? No, the top priority for federal prosecutors and the FBI is, at last in the Miami area, obscenity. Yes, the prosecution of otherwise legal pornography is more important than terrorists, drug dealers, espionage, child pornography, or anything else.
Prostitution Rarely Punished in Ancient World
Religious moralizers today commonly inveigh against sexual "crimes," one of which is prostitution. Selling sex isn't legal in very many places today and it was condemned in the ancient world, but it turns out that while the ancients may have condemned it, they didn't often punish it.
Religious moralizers today commonly inveigh against sexual "crimes," one of which is prostitution. Selling sex isn't legal in very many places today and it was condemned in the ancient world, but it turns out that while the ancients may have condemned it, they didn't often punish it.
Porn, the Erototoxin
Judith Reisman (I hesitate to use her title of "Doctor," as I can't imagine how she could have merited it), puts forth the "theory" that seeing pornography releases "erototoxins" in the brain, restructuring it in ways that should be prohibited by law. I have the "theory" that anti-pornography crusades cause the reasoning centers of people's brains to be switched off.
Judith Reisman (I hesitate to use her title of "Doctor," as I can't imagine how she could have merited it), puts forth the "theory" that seeing pornography releases "erototoxins" in the brain, restructuring it in ways that should be prohibited by law. I have the "theory" that anti-pornography crusades cause the reasoning centers of people's brains to be switched off.
The Threat of Pornography
Religious conservatives find pornography abhorrent %u2014 but why? What is it about the depiction of sex acts that would cause it to be the target of so much vitriol? Perhaps because pornography is a threat to their position that sex must only exist for the sake of procreation.
Religious conservatives find pornography abhorrent %u2014 but why? What is it about the depiction of sex acts that would cause it to be the target of so much vitriol? Perhaps because pornography is a threat to their position that sex must only exist for the sake of procreation.
Sex & Survival (Book Notes: With Pleasure)
One of the pillars of conservative religious critiques of modernity is that sexuality has come to be regarded as a source of pleasure absent any intent to procreate. According to religious conservatives, sex exists for the purpose of procreation; everything else is secondary at best. Is this position justified?
One of the pillars of conservative religious critiques of modernity is that sexuality has come to be regarded as a source of pleasure absent any intent to procreate. According to religious conservatives, sex exists for the purpose of procreation; everything else is secondary at best. Is this position justified?
Culture War in Europe: Sex & Islam
The conflict between European Muslims and other Europeans seems to be increasing. Although the conflict can take many forms, most of the time the problems can be reduced to a couple of simple problems: Muslims have very different attitudes towards sex, sexuality, and the role of women, than do secular Europeans or even pious Christian Europeans.
The conflict between European Muslims and other Europeans seems to be increasing. Although the conflict can take many forms, most of the time the problems can be reduced to a couple of simple problems: Muslims have very different attitudes towards sex, sexuality, and the role of women, than do secular Europeans or even pious Christian Europeans.
The Right's War on Nipples
Women's nipples have become the latest target of the Christian Right's war on sexuality - not just the sight of actual nipples, but even just the hint of nipples beneath women's clothing. Apparently, we're supposed to believe that women don't actually have nipples until the moment they disrobe.
Women's nipples have become the latest target of the Christian Right's war on sexuality - not just the sight of actual nipples, but even just the hint of nipples beneath women's clothing. Apparently, we're supposed to believe that women don't actually have nipples until the moment they disrobe.
Hypocritical Church's Sex Lessons
The Catholic Church has traditionally adopted a tactic of repression when it comes to various sexual feelings and expression. At the same time, they repressed evidence and discussion of sexual abuse of children by their own priests. Is there a connection?
The Catholic Church has traditionally adopted a tactic of repression when it comes to various sexual feelings and expression. At the same time, they repressed evidence and discussion of sexual abuse of children by their own priests. Is there a connection?
Religious Couple Unaware that Sex is Needed for Procreation
Is it really possible for a couple to be married for eight years not only without ever having sexual relations, but without even knowing that sex is necessary for procreation? Can two people be raised without their ever having learned how to express themselves sexually and be intimate with another person?
Is it really possible for a couple to be married for eight years not only without ever having sexual relations, but without even knowing that sex is necessary for procreation? Can two people be raised without their ever having learned how to express themselves sexually and be intimate with another person?
North Carolina: Punishing Cohabitation
In North Carolina, an 1805 law prohibits unmarried couples from living together. It isn't enforced much, but it was the cause for a sheriff's dispatcher having to leave her job. She and the ACLU are now suing in the hopes of having the law overturned.
In North Carolina, an 1805 law prohibits unmarried couples from living together. It isn't enforced much, but it was the cause for a sheriff's dispatcher having to leave her job. She and the ACLU are now suing in the hopes of having the law overturned.
Class, Sex, and Homophobia
Is it possible that the Christian Right's attack on sex and sexuality may be driven, at least in part, by class prejudice? Americans tend to discount the idea that American culture and politics may be influenced by class, class divisions, and class prejudice, but there are good reasons to think otherwise.
Is it possible that the Christian Right's attack on sex and sexuality may be driven, at least in part, by class prejudice? Americans tend to discount the idea that American culture and politics may be influenced by class, class divisions, and class prejudice, but there are good reasons to think otherwise.
Evangelicals & Pope John Paul II
Traditionally, evangelical Christians are suspicious of Catholicism at best - and often quite hostile. Recently, though, that suspicion has softened and evangelicals have welcomed Catholic support for their position on subjects like abortion. What's a good evangelical to do?
Traditionally, evangelical Christians are suspicious of Catholicism at best - and often quite hostile. Recently, though, that suspicion has softened and evangelicals have welcomed Catholic support for their position on subjects like abortion. What's a good evangelical to do?
Brazil: Abstinence Doesn't Stop AIDS
The Bush administration, backed by America's Christian Right, is promoting abstinence as the means to combat AIDS in the world. Does it work? The Christian Right doesn't care. Abstinence is held to as a moral imperative, not a pragmatic solution. If it works, fine. If not, people get what they deserve.
The Bush administration, backed by America's Christian Right, is promoting abstinence as the means to combat AIDS in the world. Does it work? The Christian Right doesn't care. Abstinence is held to as a moral imperative, not a pragmatic solution. If it works, fine. If not, people get what they deserve.
Ancient Porn Found in Germany
Humans probably started creating representations of sex, sexuality, and sex acts as soon as they were capable of creating visual representation of people. Recently, though, images were found in Germany that may be the oldest examples of pornography yet - 7,200 years old.
Humans probably started creating representations of sex, sexuality, and sex acts as soon as they were capable of creating visual representation of people. Recently, though, images were found in Germany that may be the oldest examples of pornography yet - 7,200 years old.
Adultery in South Korea
The sex industry of South Korea, Asia's third largest economy, accounts for an estimated 4% of their Gross Domestic Product - perhaps more. It's thought that one-fifth of South Korean men between the ages of 20 and 64 pay for sex up to four times each month. At the same time, though, adultery can put you in jail.
The sex industry of South Korea, Asia's third largest economy, accounts for an estimated 4% of their Gross Domestic Product - perhaps more. It's thought that one-fifth of South Korean men between the ages of 20 and 64 pay for sex up to four times each month. At the same time, though, adultery can put you in jail.
Erotic Bakery... in Texas?
Do you have an erotic bakery near you? I don't, but there's one in Texas of all places and if they can manage to have an erotic bakery, I don't see why everyone can't as well.
Do you have an erotic bakery near you? I don't, but there's one in Texas of all places and if they can manage to have an erotic bakery, I don't see why everyone can't as well.
Teen Pregnancy Epidemic... Pharmacies Won't Stock Condoms, Pills
A region of New South Wales in Australia is experiencing an epidemic of teen pregnancies. Do you suppose that there is any connection between this and the fact that the areas hardest hit have pharmacies that don't stock things like condoms or birth control pills? Nahh....
A region of New South Wales in Australia is experiencing an epidemic of teen pregnancies. Do you suppose that there is any connection between this and the fact that the areas hardest hit have pharmacies that don't stock things like condoms or birth control pills? Nahh....
Incest, Forgiveness, and the Amish
The Amish are a largely insular community and authorities tend to leave the Amish to themselves - including when it comes to dealing with legal matters. Unfortunately, this allows for the development of corruption and the perpetuation of injustice. One problem that appears to have continued for quite some time is incest and the sexual abuse of young girls.
The Amish are a largely insular community and authorities tend to leave the Amish to themselves - including when it comes to dealing with legal matters. Unfortunately, this allows for the development of corruption and the perpetuation of injustice. One problem that appears to have continued for quite some time is incest and the sexual abuse of young girls.
South Africa: Churches Battle Over Condoms
Catholic churches in South Africa are campaigning against condom use; Protestant churches, on the other hand, are starting to publicly advocate condom use. In a nation where the AIDS epidemic is taking ever more lives, the Catholic churches appear to be doing their best to contribute to a culture of death.
Catholic churches in South Africa are campaigning against condom use; Protestant churches, on the other hand, are starting to publicly advocate condom use. In a nation where the AIDS epidemic is taking ever more lives, the Catholic churches appear to be doing their best to contribute to a culture of death.
Anal Sex - God's Way!
You might assume that God frowns upon anal sex, but perhaps not. Condemnations of "sodomy" may only apply to homosexual activity; therefore, anal sex between heterosexuals would be just fine.
You might assume that God frowns upon anal sex, but perhaps not. Condemnations of "sodomy" may only apply to homosexual activity; therefore, anal sex between heterosexuals would be just fine.
Sex in Alabama
The Alabama ban on sex toys that I wrote about earlier continues to generate interesting commentary. Turns out that the defenders of the ban acknowledged that these items are not inherently criminal and can have genuine medical uses - but they don't seem to care, either.
The Alabama ban on sex toys that I wrote about earlier continues to generate interesting commentary. Turns out that the defenders of the ban acknowledged that these items are not inherently criminal and can have genuine medical uses - but they don't seem to care, either.
Adult Bookstore Welcomes Protesters
An adult bookstore has opened in O'Neil, Florida, and of course protesters have shown up to make it clear that they think it immoral for anyone to have the ability to buy adult material in Nassau county. The store, though, welcomes their presence - because they are great advertising.
An adult bookstore has opened in O'Neil, Florida, and of course protesters have shown up to make it clear that they think it immoral for anyone to have the ability to buy adult material in Nassau county. The store, though, welcomes their presence - because they are great advertising.
Alabama: Sex Toy Ban Upheld
The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal of an Alabama court decision upholding a ban on sex toys. Therefore, the ban will remain in place until the people of Alabama elect some intelligent politicians. How long do you suppose that might take?
The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal of an Alabama court decision upholding a ban on sex toys. Therefore, the ban will remain in place until the people of Alabama elect some intelligent politicians. How long do you suppose that might take?
Baptists Accidentally Buy Porn Film, Watch Whole Thing
A Baptist couple in Britain are furious that when they thought they purchased a 1950s romantic comedy on DVD, they actually purchased a raunchy sex film. They were so upset at what they found when they started the movie that they sat there and watched the whole thing. They were too shocked to turn it off, you see.
A Baptist couple in Britain are furious that when they thought they purchased a 1950s romantic comedy on DVD, they actually purchased a raunchy sex film. They were so upset at what they found when they started the movie that they sat there and watched the whole thing. They were too shocked to turn it off, you see.
Abstinence-Only Education, or Anti-Sex?
Sometimes the abstinence-only movements seems more interested in condemning sex generally than trying to prevent teenage pregnancies. This is not surprising because much of the support it has appears to come conservative evangelical groups that aren't exactly sex-friendly.
Sometimes the abstinence-only movements seems more interested in condemning sex generally than trying to prevent teenage pregnancies. This is not surprising because much of the support it has appears to come conservative evangelical groups that aren't exactly sex-friendly.
Sex and Hypocrisy in America
There is a great deal of hypocrisy in America and Hollywood over pornography. Pornographic films alone make more money than all of the rest of mainstream Hollywood. Note: that's just the films and doesn't include the rest of the industry. When are people going to wake up?
There is a great deal of hypocrisy in America and Hollywood over pornography. Pornographic films alone make more money than all of the rest of mainstream Hollywood. Note: that's just the films and doesn't include the rest of the industry. When are people going to wake up?
Tennessee: Vibrating Sponge Duck Declared Sex Toy
A woman in Tennessee has tried to sell a yellow sponge in the shape a of duck and the authorities are upset - because the duck vibrates. Is vibrating really so bad? Evidently it is because vibrating things seem to be classified as "sex toys" in Tennessee.
A woman in Tennessee has tried to sell a yellow sponge in the shape a of duck and the authorities are upset - because the duck vibrates. Is vibrating really so bad? Evidently it is because vibrating things seem to be classified as "sex toys" in Tennessee.
Norway: Porn Star Receives Death Threats
A contestant for Miss Norway had to drop out because of revelations that she stared in a couple of pornographic films. As if that weren't bad enough, this Iranian-born woman is now receiving death threats from Muslim extremists - extremists in Norway.
A contestant for Miss Norway had to drop out because of revelations that she stared in a couple of pornographic films. As if that weren't bad enough, this Iranian-born woman is now receiving death threats from Muslim extremists - extremists in Norway.
Nudes vs. Prudes on German Beaches
In an interesting battle of East vs. West, people in eastern Germany who had grown accustomed to using beaches in the nude are being pushed out by tourist from western Germany who are scandalized by the sight of all that naked flesh. Easterners blame religious prudery.
In an interesting battle of East vs. West, people in eastern Germany who had grown accustomed to using beaches in the nude are being pushed out by tourist from western Germany who are scandalized by the sight of all that naked flesh. Easterners blame religious prudery.
The Trinity, Subordination, and the Status of Women
Evidently, one of the arguments in defense of making women subordinate to men is that this simple reflects the cosmic order, just as Jesus is subordinate to God in the Trinity. Is this, however, an orthodox or heretical view of the Trinity?
Evidently, one of the arguments in defense of making women subordinate to men is that this simple reflects the cosmic order, just as Jesus is subordinate to God in the Trinity. Is this, however, an orthodox or heretical view of the Trinity?
Self-Castration in Early Christianity
In the New Testament, Jesus is quoted as saying that his followers should "make themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."? What did he mean by that? Many Christians have taken it literally and castrated themselves. Why don't they do this anym
In the New Testament, Jesus is quoted as saying that his followers should "make themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."? What did he mean by that? Many Christians have taken it literally and castrated themselves. Why don't they do this anym
Anti-Porn Pastor Elected in Landslide
A Texas pastor who started a "camera crusade" against sexually-oriented businesses has overwhelmingly won a mayoral election. Jim Norwood photographed the license plates of cars parked in the lots of such businesses and mailed a postcard to the registered owners, inviting them to attend his church.
A Texas pastor who started a "camera crusade" against sexually-oriented businesses has overwhelmingly won a mayoral election. Jim Norwood photographed the license plates of cars parked in the lots of such businesses and mailed a postcard to the registered owners, inviting them to attend his church.
Bishop Rejects Priests Ordained by Women
Women have been able to serve as priests in the Anglican church for quite a while now - but not every Anglican accepts this. Some still reject the authority of female priests and of course female bishops. In Australia, one bishop (Ross Davies, Bishop of The Murray in South Australia) is insisting on re-ordaining any priests originally ordained by a female bishop.
Women have been able to serve as priests in the Anglican church for quite a while now - but not every Anglican accepts this. Some still reject the authority of female priests and of course female bishops. In Australia, one bishop (Ross Davies, Bishop of The Murray in South Australia) is insisting on re-ordaining any priests originally ordained by a female bishop.
Birth Control Coverage in Peril
First legislators wanted to just exempt Catholic institutions from having to fund health insurance coverage for things like birth control, arguing that it was a violation of Catholic doctrine to do so. Now legislators are looking to extend such exemptions to all employers. That's fair from the perspective of employers, but it marks a major step in undermining women's rights and health.
First legislators wanted to just exempt Catholic institutions from having to fund health insurance coverage for things like birth control, arguing that it was a violation of Catholic doctrine to do so. Now legislators are looking to extend such exemptions to all employers. That's fair from the perspective of employers, but it marks a major step in undermining women's rights and health.
Anti-Crime Program that Actually Works
Interested in an anti-crime program that actually works? How about one that results in: 79 percent fewer cases of child abuse and neglect, 33 percent fewer subsequent pregnancies, 54 percent fewer arrests among 15-year-olds, 69 percent fewer convictions and probation violations among 15-year-olds, and 58 percent fewer sexual partners among 15-year-olds. Sound too good to be true?
Interested in an anti-crime program that actually works? How about one that results in: 79 percent fewer cases of child abuse and neglect, 33 percent fewer subsequent pregnancies, 54 percent fewer arrests among 15-year-olds, 69 percent fewer convictions and probation violations among 15-year-olds, and 58 percent fewer sexual partners among 15-year-olds. Sound too good to be true?
Strip Clubs Battling Bush
George W. Bush has a new political opponent in the race for presidency: strip clubs! Yes, a strip club owners have started a campaign to register their patrons to vote and encourage them to vote for John Kerry in the upcoming presidential election. Will it make any impact?
George W. Bush has a new political opponent in the race for presidency: strip clubs! Yes, a strip club owners have started a campaign to register their patrons to vote and encourage them to vote for John Kerry in the upcoming presidential election. Will it make any impact?
Anti-Abortion Saint Canonized
Pope John Paul II has canonized several new saints, one of whom appears to have been chosen as an "anti-abortion" saint. She worked hard for her family, her children, and others as a pediatrician - but none of that ever would have qualified her for sainthood. No, that came because she chosen to carry her final pregnancy to term despite the risk to her health.
Pope John Paul II has canonized several new saints, one of whom appears to have been chosen as an "anti-abortion" saint. She worked hard for her family, her children, and others as a pediatrician - but none of that ever would have qualified her for sainthood. No, that came because she chosen to carry her final pregnancy to term despite the risk to her health.
Interesting Economics of Prostitution
Prostitution has been called the "oldest profession" - and it's a label that is likely appropriate. But what are the economics of prostitution? Apparently, there are a lot of economic puzzles involved in prostitution - for example, that prostitutes are low-skilled but highly paid and while both men and women are prostitutes, nearly all customers are men.
Prostitution has been called the "oldest profession" - and it's a label that is likely appropriate. But what are the economics of prostitution? Apparently, there are a lot of economic puzzles involved in prostitution - for example, that prostitutes are low-skilled but highly paid and while both men and women are prostitutes, nearly all customers are men.
Rethinking Bans on Pornography
There are many who dislike pornography and want it banned. Unfortunately that has proven difficult because of the pesky First Amendment and our rights to free speech. "Obscene" material can be banned, but it isn't always easy to get material labeled "obscene." Thus, there are all sorts of creative ideas for how to stop pornography despite the First Amendment.
There are many who dislike pornography and want it banned. Unfortunately that has proven difficult because of the pesky First Amendment and our rights to free speech. "Obscene" material can be banned, but it isn't always easy to get material labeled "obscene." Thus, there are all sorts of creative ideas for how to stop pornography despite the First Amendment.
Pat Boone: Censorship is "Healthy"
Censorship is debated a great deal - most agree that there are some materials which should be prohibited, but where exactly the line should be drawn is another matter entirely. Some would ban lots of different things while others would limit censorship to just the bare minimum - images or speech that leads immediately to violence or other crimes. Pat Boone appears to be one of the former.
Censorship is debated a great deal - most agree that there are some materials which should be prohibited, but where exactly the line should be drawn is another matter entirely. Some would ban lots of different things while others would limit censorship to just the bare minimum - images or speech that leads immediately to violence or other crimes. Pat Boone appears to be one of the former.
Art Cover-Up
Some people really dislike nudity no matter what the context, even art or attempts to replicate art. In Tennessee, the G&L Garden Center has had to cover up statues that showed a little bit more than some local residents approved of. Of course, now the covered statues are attracting even more attention than they did before.
Some people really dislike nudity no matter what the context, even art or attempts to replicate art. In Tennessee, the G&L Garden Center has had to cover up statues that showed a little bit more than some local residents approved of. Of course, now the covered statues are attracting even more attention than they did before.
Woman Charged for Selling Sex Toys
Just as people held "Tupperware Parties" in the past to make extra money by selling products from Tupperware, people today can do the same by selling sex toys. Many find the atmosphere in a private home to be more comfortable than what they might find in a public store - but some in the government aren't entirely happy about it.
Just as people held "Tupperware Parties" in the past to make extra money by selling products from Tupperware, people today can do the same by selling sex toys. Many find the atmosphere in a private home to be more comfortable than what they might find in a public store - but some in the government aren't entirely happy about it.
Adult Novelties Ruled Obscene
Government is continuing its crackdown on obscenity and pornography - not just videos and movies, but also novelty items. The Lion's Den Adult Superstore northwest of Abilene, Texas, has apparently been indicted for selling obscenities after a grand jury deemed 29 items obscene.
Government is continuing its crackdown on obscenity and pornography - not just videos and movies, but also novelty items. The Lion's Den Adult Superstore northwest of Abilene, Texas, has apparently been indicted for selling obscenities after a grand jury deemed 29 items obscene.
Selling Adult Material to Adult Customers: Illegal?
Not everyone like adult-oriented material, but presumably any business that takes precautions to clearly mark off such material and sell it only to adults shouldn't have to worry about legal problems. Right? Well, maybe not.
Not everyone like adult-oriented material, but presumably any business that takes precautions to clearly mark off such material and sell it only to adults shouldn't have to worry about legal problems. Right? Well, maybe not.
Administration's New War on Pornography
Apparently, terrorism and drugs aren't the only threats to society that are on the Bush administration's radar screen. For the first time in more than a decade, the government is significantly upping the amount of money being used to combat adult pornography. Why? Because, you know, Western civilization is at stake.
Apparently, terrorism and drugs aren't the only threats to society that are on the Bush administration's radar screen. For the first time in more than a decade, the government is significantly upping the amount of money being used to combat adult pornography. Why? Because, you know, Western civilization is at stake.
Child Charged with Child Pornography - of Self!
Laws against producing and distributing child pornography are quite understandable - they do, after all, represent a form of sexual exploitation of children. But how can a person be charged with child pornography when the "child" in the photos is herself? Sound impossible? It's true and it's happening in Pennsylvania.
Laws against producing and distributing child pornography are quite understandable - they do, after all, represent a form of sexual exploitation of children. But how can a person be charged with child pornography when the "child" in the photos is herself? Sound impossible? It's true and it's happening in Pennsylvania.
Store Can't Sell Playboy Due to Sales Contract
If you own a store, you figure that you can sell anything legal. You might need a special license for something like alcohol, but in principle you're allowed to sell it all - right? Wrong. Apparently, if the previous owners of the property had a moral objection to certain things, they may have included a covenant into the contract prohibiting some sales - and there's nothing you can about it.
If you own a store, you figure that you can sell anything legal. You might need a special license for something like alcohol, but in principle you're allowed to sell it all - right? Wrong. Apparently, if the previous owners of the property had a moral objection to certain things, they may have included a covenant into the contract prohibiting some sales - and there's nothing you can about it.