U.S. Supreme Court Rejects 2257 Challenge

WASHINGTON — Without comment, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday denied a challenge to 18 U.S.C. § 2257, the federal recordkeeping and labeling law for the adult entertainment industry.

The 14-year-old case weighed by the court, Connection Distributing Co. vs. Holder, involved the ability of a publishing company to post sexually explicit photos of swingers to accompany advertisements seeking like-minded adults.

But on Monday, the justices’ refused to reconsider a ruling by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which reaffirmed the legality of 2257.

The justices’ denial is a big defeat for the Free Speech Coalition, which tapped attorney J. Michael Murray and the Cleveland-based law firm of Berkman, Gordon, Murray and DeVan to move forward with litigation earlier this year.

FSC attorneys argued that 2257 is overly broad because it requires age verification for older adults and because it applies to couples in their own homes.

Diane Duke, executive director of the FSC, told XBIZ that she was disappointed that the Supreme Court didn’t grant cert.

“2257 does nothing to stop child pornography; it does nothing more than overburden legal adult businesses,” she said. “It is outrageous it is unconstitutional and we are going to continue the fight.

“FSC is prepared to continue the fight challenging the new regulations and broadening the plaintiff base,” she said.

The government, in a brief to the court, argued that the 6th Circuit correctly held that 2257 is constitutional as applied to the Connections case.

“Not only is there no conflict among the courts of appeals on this issue, but as the [6th Circuit] en banc court recognized, Section 2257 ‘has withstood every as-applied 1st Amendment challenge to the law by the real people and businesses to whom it most naturally has been applied over the last 20 years,’” said the brief, noting that the record-keeping statute is content-neutral because it is justified without reference to the content of the regulated speech.

Government attorneys also argued that 2257 doesn’t necessarily ban sexually explicit images.

“As long as producers of sexually explicit depictions comply with the statute's recordkeeping and disclosure provisions, they are free to express any message they want,” the brief said. “Section 2257 regulates only the manner in which the images are produced, to combat the use of underage performers.”

On Monday, the justices agreed with the government in Connections vs. Holder, 08-1449.

Related:  

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

Violet Myers, Megan Faith Star in Latest From Slayed

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Megan Faith in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Slayed.

Coco Bae Returns to Brazzers

Coco Bae stars with Danny D. in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “The Cock Collector.”

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Penthouse Names Kira Shine June's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Kira Shine as Pet of the Month for June.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Jade Greene Makes Her Reality Kings Debut

Jade Greene has made her Reality Kings debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in "Ski Boat Skeet."

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Vicki Chase Stars in Dorcel's 'M.I.L.F.S. Vol. 2'

Vicki Chase headlines the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “M.I.L.F.S. Vol. 2.”

Anastasia Doll Headlines 'All Girl Sex Addict' From Harmony

Anastasia Doll stars in the latest title from Harmony Films, “All Girl Sex Addict.”

Show More