Texas Republicans Insert 'Porn Filter' Language in Rural Broadband Bill

Texas Republicans Insert 'Porn Filter' Language in Rural Broadband Bill

AUSTIN — Texas Republicans successfully amended a rural broadband bill last week to add a provision that prioritizes the awarding of contracts to internet service providers that “maintain a program to, by default, block access to pornographic or other obscene materials.”

This Lone State version of a “porn filter” bill was introduced by State Rep. Jeff Cason, whose official legislature bio leads with a description of the politician as “a Bible-believing Christian” and informs constituents of his wife’s “Christ-like servant’s heart.”

The bill, HB 5, was — until last week — an uncontroversial infrastructure measure introduced in February and titled, “Relating to the expansion of broadband services to certain areas.”

Last Thursday, however, Cason took to the House floor to force a vote on an amendment stating that the process to award broadband contracts should “prioritize an applicant that the broadband provided by the applicant will maintain a program to, by default, block access to pornographic or other obscene materials.”

Although Democratic Rep. Celia Israel objected the amendment was "not germane,” Cason’s “porn filter” addition was put to a vote and was passed 87-56 with two abstentions.

Cason justified the insertion by claiming that “pornography currently stands as an enabler to both human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of mostly women throughout our state. For customers to have access to this material, provided by taxpayer-funded broadband service, they should be required to opt-in, not opt-out, of such access.”

Porn Filters and 'Culture Wars'

Right-leaning Texas legislature site Texas Scorecard immediately praised Cason’s introduction of a War on Porn issue into an unrelated bill by painting it exclusively in partisan terms.

“What was a little surprising is that the Democrat [sic] Party publicly identified themselves, in Texas at least, as the party for unfiltered porn access,” wrote Texas Scorecard’s Luke Macias. “This is disturbing, to say the least, but it does seem somewhat consistent since they are quickly becoming a party that actively advocates to sexually transition minors to the opposite of their birth sex."

Macias also claimed, without providing any evidence, that “the internet industry does not want consumers to know that they have the ability — and are even willing to mislead lawmakers as to their ability — to filter pornography.”

The bill was passed unanimously on Friday, with both Democrat and Republicans voting for it.

Main Image: State Rep. Jeff Cason (R)

Copyright © 2024 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

Seoul Authorities Force Cancellation of Adult Expo for 'Distorting Perceptions of Sex'

Seoul authorities repeatedly prevented 2024 KXF The Fashion — a popular Korean adult industry expo featuring Japanese AV performers — scheduled for this week from finding a suitable venue, leading organizers to cancel the event.

FSC to Hold Discussion on Adult Industry Rights With Congressional Candidate Joe Cohn

Free Speech Coalition will hold a virtual discussion with Joe Cohn, a strong advocate for the adult industry’s rights who is running for Congress in November.

Sophie Dee, Ricky Johnson to Deliver 'XBIZ Talks' at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that Sophie Dee and Ricky Johnson will each deliver an “XBIZ Talk” at next month’s XBIZ Miami conference

FSC to Host Webinar on Derisking and the Adult Industry

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is hosting a webinar on derisking, titled "Derisking: Examining Its Impact on the Adult Industry's Access to Banking," on April 24 at 11 a.m. (PDT).

Democratic Governor Fails to Veto Kansas Age Verification Bill

Kansas’ Democratic governor, Laura Kelly, expressed strong reservations about the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists, but ultimately decided not to veto it, allowing the legislation to become law by default without her signature.

FSC's Alison Boden Testifies Against California Age Verification Bill, Urges Action to Defeat It

Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Alison Boden testified Tuesday against AB 3080, California’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Phoenix Marie Sues Aylo, Danny D Over Incident on Digital Playground Set

Phoenix Marie has filed a lawsuit against Aylo, performer/producer Danny D and other defendants, alleging she has suffered defamation and damage to her career over a 2023 incident on a Digital Playground set in Spain.

New Premium Creator Platform 'Lemon Social' Launches

Premium creator platform Lemon Social has debuted.

Atlanta Authorities Renew Attack on Adult Boutique Tokyo Valentino

The saga of beleaguered Georgia adult boutique Tokyo Valentino continues with a renewed attempt by authorities to shut down another of its locations.

MomPOV Producer Pleads Guilty in GirlsDoPorn Case

MomPOV producer Doug Wiederhold, who was formerly the partner of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt as well as the first male talent for GDP, pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal conspiracy charge.

Show More