Overview

• Senator Mike Lee and Representative Mary Miller have reintroduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, seeking to broadly redefine obscenity under federal law.
• The bill proposes removing the intent clause from the 1934 Communications Act, making the production, distribution, and sharing of pornography a federal crime across state lines.
• Supporters, including Project 2025 advocates, frame the legislation as a measure to protect families and children from harmful online content.
• Critics warn the bill’s vague definitions could criminalize mainstream media content and infringe on First Amendment protections.
• This marks the second attempt to pass the legislation, following its initial failure in 2022, with the proposal now under congressional review.