A panel of appeals judges has ruled in favor of Tennessee’s law requiring pornographic websites to verify visitors’ ages, despite concerns about free speech violations. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares for oral arguments on a similar Texas law.
The law, which was temporarily blocked by a district court judge, aims to protect children from accessing harmful content online. The ruling allows Tennessee to enforce the law while legal challenges continue. The Free Speech Coalition, an adult entertainment trade group, has filed lawsuits against Tennessee’s law, as well as those in other states.
The decision has prompted websites like Pornhub to block access in Tennessee and other states with similar laws. The law requires verification of visitors’ ages through various methods, including matching a photo to an ID or using transactional data. Violators could face felony penalties and civil liability.
Critics argue that the law is unconstitutional, ineffective, and could lead to privacy concerns. U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman, who initially blocked the law, pointed out that it could easily be circumvented by minors. The Supreme Court has yet to weigh in on the issue, as oral arguments are scheduled for this week.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti praised the ruling, emphasizing the law’s goal of protecting children from harmful content. Similar laws have been enacted in other states, sparking a national debate over the balance between regulating access to adult content and protecting free speech rights.
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