Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers has introduced a groundbreaking and highly controversial piece of legislation that could fundamentally reshape the handling of adult content in the state. Known as SB593, the bill aims to criminalize the production, distribution, and even possession of pornography. If passed, this legislation would impose severe penalties, with individuals facing up to 10 years in prison for engaging in such activities. Those involved in what Senator Deevers describes as “organized pornography” could see sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years behind bars. The proposed law also includes stricter measures for offenses involving child sex abuse material (CSAM), raising potential penalties to a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Senator Deevers has justified this move as part of a broader mission to restore “moral sanity” within Oklahoma. In a statement, he likened pornography to a highly addictive drug, arguing that it erodes marriages, objectifies individuals, and contributes to societal decline. Deevers views criminalizing adult content as a necessary step to mitigate its perceived detrimental effects on families and communities.
This legislative push is not occurring in isolation. SB593 aligns closely with the goals of Project 2025, a conservative agenda tied to policy ideals that could emerge from a potential second Donald Trump administration. Project 2025 advocates for a national ban on pornography, aiming to preserve traditional values across the United States. Deevers, along with other conservative lawmakers, has taken inspiration from these principles in proposing additional measures such as banning Drag Queen Story Hour events, eliminating no-fault divorce, and abolishing abortion within the state.
Oklahoma has already placed itself in the spotlight for its restrictive measures regarding adult content. Earlier this year, the state implemented age-verification laws requiring digital ID authentication to access explicit websites. The move prompted platforms like Pornhub to block access for Oklahoma-based users entirely. Deevers’ new bill pushes these efforts even further, proposing an outright criminalization of pornography.
Critics argue that SB593 represents a dangerous infringement on individual freedoms and warn of the unintended consequences of legislating morality. They point out that the science behind claims of “porn addiction” remains contentious. While Deevers compares pornography to an addictive substance, experts note that “porn addiction” is not officially recognized as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Many researchers argue that feelings of obsession with pornography often arise from societal shame rather than any inherently addictive properties of the material itself.
Opponents also highlight the need for more effective, non-punitive approaches to addressing underlying societal issues. Advocates for comprehensive sex education emphasize the importance of promoting media literacy and teaching individuals to distinguish between the fantasy portrayed in adult content and real-life relationships. This approach could combat compulsive behaviors without introducing draconian laws. However, Oklahoma’s public education system largely defaults to abstinence-based sex education and lacks curricula addressing healthy relationships or sexual literacy, leaving a gap in proactive measures.
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