Overview

• The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), reintroduced by Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Mary Miller, aims to criminalize pornography by revising federal obscenity laws for the internet age.
• The bill proposes removing the 'intent' clause and community standards from the definition of obscenity, broadening its scope and making prosecution easier.
• IODA aligns with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which calls for outlawing pornography and frames its creators as predators.
• Critics warn the bill threatens free speech and could lead to censorship of LGBTQ+ and other marginalized content under vague obscenity criteria.
• Currently referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, this marks the third legislative attempt for IODA since 2022, with its future uncertain.