Former Soviet Republic of Georgia Overturns Pornography Ban

Former Soviet Republic of Georgia Overturns Pornography Ban

TBILISI, Georgia — The Constitutional Court of Georgia ruled on Friday to overturn the former Soviet republic’s blanket ban on the production and distribution of pornography.

The court “effectively legalized the production and dissemination of pornography, ruling in favor of a claim that the current definition of ‘pornography’ was vague and open to interpretation,” local independent news outlet OC Media reported, although the analysis also warned that “a fight for the explicit legalization of pornography may remain an uphill battle, as lawmakers may quickly redefine the term.”

The judges also “ordered lawmakers to come up with a clearer definition of pornography by May 2023.” 

Until the court’s ruling, the “making, dissemination or advertisement of pornographic works, printed publications, images or similar items” was punishable by up to two years in prison, OC Media explained.

According to the report, the four Constitutional Court judges “found unanimously that the law left an ‘unreasonably wide margin’ for interpretation which could create the ground for ‘arbitrariness and injustice.’”

Crucial in the judges’ decision was the plaintiffs’ claim that the law “did not differentiate between pornography and erotic material, or whether ‘pornography’ necessarily implied bodily penetration, nudity or a portrayal of sexual activity without showing sex organs.”

The term ‘obscenity’, used to define pornography for broadcasting purposes, was also ruled to be ‘too abstract.’”

In 2017, Georgian prosecutors charged Giorgi Logua and 11 others “for publishing pornography produced outside Georgia on their website.” Logua was found innocent, but when prosecutors appealed, he took the case to the Constitutional Court, and was represented by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA).

“All four judges agreed that one would not be able to rely on legal consultation to clearly learn how to avoid criminal charges or even two years jail time,” GYLA attorney Giorgi Gotsiridze told OC Media. “No one can be punished for pornography as long as it remains to be defined.”

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

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Dreamcam Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

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

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for August, September

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in August and September.

AV in Focus: A Guide to Unlocking Compliance With Clarity

The age verification era isn’t coming — it’s here. Laws are already on the books in numerous U.S. states, as well as in the U.K., France and beyond.

Canadian Privacy Commissioner Endorses National AV Bill

Philippe Dufresne, privacy commissioner of Canada, has voiced support for a bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Ricky Johnson Launches 'Ricky's Resort' Through YourPaysitePartner

Ricky's Room studio honcho Ricky Johnson has launched his latest site, RickysResort.com, through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Industry Attorney Paul Cambria Retires After 50 Years of Practicing Law

After more than a half-century in practice, during which he provided the defense in some of the adult industry's most notable legal cases, attorney Paul Cambria has retired.

Show More