Overview

• Republican Senator Mike Lee and Representative Mary Miller reintroduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act on May 8, aiming to redefine obscenity under federal law.
• The bill proposes removing the intent requirement and broadening criteria for obscenity, potentially criminalizing the distribution of all pornography online.
• Critics argue the legislation undermines First Amendment protections by discarding community standards and enabling subjective federal enforcement.
• IODA aligns with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint advocating for stricter obscenity laws and targeting LGBTQ+ content.
• Currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee with no scheduled hearings, the bill faces uncertain prospects and limited bipartisan support.