Considering how ubiquitous pornographic content is on the Internet, an outright ban on adult pornography seems near impossible. Predictably, that reality hasn’t stopped Republicans from aiming to codify their anti-pornography agenda into law.
Just last week, Republican Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall filed a resolution declaring pornography a “public health hazard” that is responsible for “a broad spectrum of individual and public health impacts and societal harms.” In its list of reasons for the resolution, Marshall connects pornography to the prevalence of sexual assault and claims its use makes sexual violence seem more normal.
WHEREAS, because pornography treats women as objects and commodities for the viewer's use, it teaches girls that they are to be used and teaches boys to be users; and
WHEREAS, pornography normalizes violence and abuse of women and children; and
WHEREAS, pornography treats women and children as objects and often depicts rape and abuse as if such acts are harmless; and
(Funny how pornography normalizes sexual assault, but electing a man who has bragged about sexual assault somehow doesn’t.)
This resolution comes on the heels of anti-pornography efforts in other states, including Utah, South Carolina, and Tennessee, that also claim that porn is hazardous to America’s health.
Anti-pornography activists’ efforts aren’t limited to the state level; they’re also hoping the new administration will make suppressing adult entertainment a priority. However, any federal efforts to ban pornography under the guise of caring about violence against women may look hypocritical. Donald Trump’s history with women and pornography doesn’t exactly make him look like the most genuine ally.
Not only is there a well-documented history of Trump making sexist comments and bragging about committing sexual assault, he also has appeared in numerous soft core Playboy videos and has a copy of the 1990 Playboy magazine cover he appeared on hanging in his office (check it out on the right).
Will anti-porn activists have an ally in the Trump administration to take these efforts to the national level? Only time will tell.