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 © 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

Holiday Products, Sweetums Sign Distro Deal

Holiday Products has signed a distribution deal with wellness brand Sweetums.

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Performer Esperanza Goméz Over IG Suspensions

Colombia’s Constitutional Court last week ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Orion Expands Cottelli 'Accessoires,' 'Party' Lines

Orion Wholesale has introduced seven new pieces from its Cottelli Accessoires line and one from its Party collection.

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

ProDx Health Launches Affiliate Program

ProDx Health has launched an affiliate program for creators and other members of the adult industry that promote its home-collection testing kits.

Lovense 'Ferri' Spotlighted on Wired.com

Lovense’s Ferri has been spotlighted on Wired.com.

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

Show More