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

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ondato, CCBill Announce Strategic Partnership for Global High-Risk Market

Age and identity verification firm Ondato and payment processor CCBill have formed a strategic partnership to serve the global high-risk market.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Show More