Playboy Seeking Nominees for First Amendment Awards

CHICAGO — The Playboy Foundation is once again looking for nominees for the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards.

Originally established in 1979 by Christie Hefner, Hugh’s daughter and the present Chairman and CEO of Playboy, the awards seek to honor people from all walks of life who have in some vital way enhanced and protected America’s First Amendment rights.

Past winners have come from varied backgrounds, including print and broadcast journalism, arts and entertainment, education, publishing, law and government. They have been as well known as the outspoken talk show host Bill Maher to 21-year old Talia Buford, who fought for the right to have her school’s paper uncensored.

Other winners include librarians who took on the U.S. Patriot Act, parents who prevented a Michigan school from banning Harry Potter books and a former supervisory agent and forensic chemist for the FBI who blew the whistle on fraud and scientific misconduct in FBI crime labs.

Winners, culled from categories as diverse as their aforementioned backgrounds, are presented with $5,000 and a commemorative plaque during a much-hyped annual ceremony, which takes place April 24, 2006 in New York.

Since 1979, Playboy has honored more than 100 individuals with the award.

Nominees are judged by an equally eclectic bunch, which has included CNN’s Margaret Carlson, columnist Molly Ivins and even former Texas Gov. Ann Richards.

The deadline for submitting nominations for the next awards show is Feb. 10.

Copyright © 2025 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

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Show More