Free Speech Coalition Tackles Porn Addiction

In an effort to provide an opportunity for both sides on the issue to be heard, Free Speech Coalition (FSC) will present a public Community Forum on the topic, "Today's Porn: Entertainment or Addiction?" on Monday, April 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. Panelists will include sex educators, researchers and political activists who will offer their perspectives on the subject and respond to questions from the audience.

Free Speech Coalition is the trade organization of the adult entertainment industry. Its mission is to safeguard the industry from oppressive governmental regulation and to promote good business practices within the industry.

In November of 2004, U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R. – Kansas) held a Senate Sub-committee hearing on "pornography addiction" in Washington, D.C., where a number of researchers and other professionals dogmatically compared adult material with heroin and crack cocaine, suggesting that its effect on brain chemistry is similar. No one from the adult entertainment industry, or other academics with a different point of view, was invited to speak.

"To examine an issue of such importance to our industry and to society without allowing us to participate is tantamount to censorship," said Michelle Freridge, FSC Executive Director. "We intend to open the doors to full participation by all stakeholders in this complex issue. By holding a public forum where Californians of all persuasions can come and speak out, we feel we are doing a public service."

Panelists will include Carol Queen, Ph.D., Author, Sex Educator and Director, Center for Sex & Culture; Robert Lawrence, D.Ed., D.C., Sex Educator and Co-Founder, Center for Sex & Culture; George N. Collins, M.A., Sexual Compulsion Specialist and Al Hernandez Santana, J.D., M.C.P., political activist and committed Catholic. The panel will be moderated by Layne Winklebleck, M.S.W.

"What I like about the Community Forum is that FSC has people from both sides of the issue," said Joan Irvine, executive director of The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection. "When U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R–Kan.) held a Senate Subcommittee hearing on "pornography addiction" in Washington, D.C., only one side of the issue was discussed and he didn't want it any way."

"I am a Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy (and Ph.D. candidate); my thesis was on Using Hypnosis for Sexual Enhancement," continued Irvine. "In my private practice, I saw many more people who had sexual issues in their relationship because of the lack of sex than people with sexual addition. People are naturally sexual beings; this is the way 'God' created us. When one has to deny their nature because of religion or government intervention, it is unhealthy. It's all about balance, just like the rest of one's life. There is a saying 'Sex is only 10% of a relationship, but if there are sexual issues, it becomes 90% of the problem.' I am looking forward to hearing the experts discuss this topic."

The event, which will be held in the Sheraton's Tofanelli Room, will commence with a no-host cocktail hour at 6:00 p.m. with the panel discussion beginning at 7:00 p.m. A donation of $15 is requested but no entry fee will be charged. For more information, call 800-476-7813.

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

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The highly respected veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Whisper Fans Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

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

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Brazzers Beach."

Utherverse Launches 'Red Light Center' Virtual World

Virtual reality and metaverse technology company Utherverse has launched its new virtual world, RedLightCenter.io.

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

Eva Angelina on Stepping Back Into the Spotlight With Purpose

Eva Angelina is back in front of the camera, stronger and sharper than ever. Making her triumphant return in her own inimitable badass style, the veteran performer recently reentered the industry not just with a bang, but a dazzling signal flare.

Cassie Del Isla, Ama Rio Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Cassie Del Isla and Ama Rio headline the 15th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

Show More