Ala.: Sex Toys Not Focus of State Adult Ban

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Two government officials responsible for the controversial adult bill banning the sale of sex toys have spoken out, claiming that sex toys were never the focus of the anti-obscenity bill, first proposed in 1998.

Sen. Tom Butler and Madison County District Attorney Tim Morgan said the Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act was designed to officially shut down strip clubs, and that only one line in the 14-page bill referred to the sale of sex toys.

Both Morgan and Butler said that the line banning the distribution of "any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of the human genital organs" was simply one of the bill's many elements copied from laws already established in surrounding states.

"Neither Tom Butler nor myself or anybody drafted the bill," said Morgan, adding that that task was the state's Legislative Reference Service's responsibility.

Butler's and Morgan's comments were the result of recent media coverage following sex shop owner Sherri William's final appeal of the bill, who took the case to the Supreme Court last week.

"It's become quite an embarrassment to the state," Williams said, who argues that the bill is an unconstitutional intrusion into the bedroom.

However, Morgan believes the law is constitutionally sound, but that the Court will likely decline to hear the case.

As for dealing with the issue at the state level, Morgan said, "Sex toys are not the highest priority on our radar right now."

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

FSC: Age Verification Law Takes Effect June 12

The Free Speech Coalition has issued a reminder notice that West Virginia's age verification law takes effect on June 12, 2026.

Svakom Featured on 'Õhtu!' Talk Show

Svakom is featured in a new episode of “Ōhtu!” on Estonia TV’s Kanal 2.

Wicked Sensual Care Debuts 'Honeysuckle + Ivy' Massage Oil

Wicked Sensual Care (WSC) has introduced its new Honeysuckle + Ivy Sensual Massage Oil.

WOW Tech, XR Brands Reach Settlement in Patent Infringement Dispute

XR Brands and Lovehoney Group subsidiary WOW Tech Group have settled a patent dispute over WOW's Pleasure Air Technology.

Orion Expands 'Beastly Cocks' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced three pleasure products from its Beastly Cocks line.

Polish Government Proposes AV Mandate for Adult Sites

Poland’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday endorsed a proposed national law that would require sites and platforms to age-verify users to prevent minors from accessing adult content online.

Sliquid Launches B2B Portal 'Sliquid HQ'

Sliquid has launched Sliquid HQ, the company's new B2B portal centralizing its distribution, educational, and marketing resources.

Brazil Launches Complaints Page for AV Violations, Other Issues

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Monday debuted a portal where citizens can report possible violations of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

COTR Taps Dr. Alix Agar for Advisory Board

COTR has appointed Dr. Alix Agar to its medical and therapeutic advisory board.

CC Wellness Names Melody Cazarin Director of Strategic Accounts

JO parent company CC Wellness has appointed Melody Cazarin to the position of director of strategic accounts.

Show More