Judge Says Mich. Porn Law Is Constitutional

LANSING, Mich. — A federal court ruled Monday that Michigan’s state law barring pornographic material to minors is constitutional.

The law, known as 2003 Michigan Public Act 192, imposes criminal liability on those who “knowingly disseminate or distribute sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors” under 18.

Michigan's law was signed last November and imposes fines of $10,000 and sentencing of up to two years in jail. The statute encompasses "any book, pamphlet, printed matter reproduced in any manner or sound recording," as well as "a picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film or similar visual representation."

In Monday’s ruling, the U.S. District Court found that the act is not overbroad, and does not violate the First Amendment.

“The court finds that the act is not overbroad because the challenged provisions all refer to materials that are harmful to minors as defined in [the law]," Judge Anna Diggs Taylor wrote in her ruling. “Further, [it] does not prevent plaintiffs from selling or showing non-obscene sexually explicit materials for adults to view, but rather only restricts the manner in which the materials may be displayed.”

Athenaco Book Shop of Kalamazoo, Mich., asserted that complying with the law was an infringement upon the First Amendment rights of others to browse among their merchandise, and that the costs of physically complying with the law were untenable, as it could result in the plaintiffs being mischaracterized as "adult bookstores."

The Athenaco Book Shop, which also argued the law is overly broad and vague, is located in the South Kalamazoo Mall.

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox hailed the ruling.

“I will not allow pornographic material to be spread to our minors, and I'm pleased that the court agrees," Cox said.

The case is Athenaco Ltd. vs. Attorney General Mike Cox.

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

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

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.

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Show More