Roberts: Lesser Protection For Porn

WASHINGTON — Upon questioning by Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) Tuesday, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee John Roberts said he felt the Supreme Court had clearly established that the constitution affords less protection for pornographic speech than other forms of expression.

But, harkening back to the famous quote from Justice Potter Stewart in 1964, he said he wouldn’t attempt to define pornography but he knows it when he sees it.

"The difficulty that the court has addressed...is always defining what is or is not pornography and what is entitled to protection under the First Amendment and what is not," Roberts said. “You determine whether it is entitled to First Amendment protection in the first place."

His answer came in response to DeWine’s vocal frustration over the fact that both the Child Online Pornography Act and the Communications Decency Act had been struck down in the courts. Nonetheless, Roberts avoided giving too specific an answer when the Republican senator asked for his own opinions on pornography.

“Certain types of speech, like child pornography, are not entitled to protection,” he said. “There are different categories, and the court has struggled over the years in figuring out how to determine what belongs in what category. Beyond that, I do not think I can give a more precise answer."

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

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The highly respected veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Whisper Fans Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Whisper Fans has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Brazzers Beach."

Utherverse Launches 'Red Light Center' Virtual World

Virtual reality and metaverse technology company Utherverse has launched its new virtual world, RedLightCenter.io.

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

Eva Angelina on Stepping Back Into the Spotlight With Purpose

Eva Angelina is back in front of the camera, stronger and sharper than ever. Making her triumphant return in her own inimitable badass style, the veteran performer recently reentered the industry not just with a bang, but a dazzling signal flare.

Cassie Del Isla, Ama Rio Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Cassie Del Isla and Ama Rio headline the 15th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

Show More