Policy Expert Warns Kentucky Governor May Sue Adult Websites

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A policy expert warns that Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear may soon apply the same tactic to online adult websites that he has applied to Internet gambling — having them forfeit the domains to the state by taking owners to court.

In a post discussing Beshear’s lawsuit against 141 gambling websites on Reason Magazine’s website, senior editor Radley Balko predicts the next move with just one ominous sentence.

“Seems like the Internet porn industry would be the next logical target,” Balko writes.

Balko was a policy analyst at the Cato Institute “specializing in civil liberties issues” and has written for a slew of mainstream news outlets, including the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, according to his bio. He didn’t immediately return an XBIZ email seeking comment.

According to an article in the Louisville Courier-Journal, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate on Oct. 16 denied a motion to dismiss Beshear’s lawsuit against the gambling sites. Wingate ruled Beshear “has the right to decide whether control of the sites must be forfeited to the state,” according to the newspaper.

Wingate set the next hearing date for Nov. 17.

Beshear filed suit last month to force the sites to block access by Kentucky users and pay damages, or forfeit the site’s domain name.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Final IRS 'No Tax on Tips' Rule Excludes Pornography

The Internal Revenue Service on Monday published final regulations on the “No Tax on Tips” provision included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” offering new tax deductions for tip workers but excluding revenue received for “pornographic activity.”

Lauren Phillips Fronts Latest From MYLF

2024 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Lauren Phillips stars with Mighty Dee and Troy Francisco in the latest release from the MYLF series “MYLF Singles.”

Andie Anderson, Angie Faith Lead Latest From MILFY

Andie Anderson and Angie Faith star with Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY.

Lilly Bell Stars in Latest Installment of 'Lez Be Bad'

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars with Ameena Green and Selena Ivy in the latest installment of Adult Time series "Lez Be Bad,” titled “Free-Use Movie Night.”

Freeuse Debuts New Limited Series 'Time Stop Universe'

Freeuse has released it's new three-scene limited series, "Time Stop Universe."

Pennsylvania Legislature Weighs 'Porn Tax' Bill

The Pennsylvania State Senate is considering a bill that would impose a 10% tax on the revenue of adult websites doing business in that state.

Blake Blossom Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Blake Blossom stars with Dante Colle in the latest release from New Sensations.

Dorcel Premieres 10th Volume of Anthology Series 'Thr3e'

2023 Euro XMAs Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum and Bella Mur headline the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Thr3e #10.”

Naomi Korae, Nico Luva Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Naomi Korae and Nico Luva star in director Richard Mann’s first threesome for Evil Angel.

Anna Bella Returns to Immoral Productions

Anna Bella stars in a new four-part release from Immoral Productions, alongside Matt Bird, Terry Banks, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Show More