The Supreme Court has ruled that, “transmitting obscenity and child pornography, whether via the Internet or other means, is... illegal under federal law for both adults and juveniles.”  -Reno v. ACLU, 521 U.S. 844 (1998).

Obscenity is NOT protected under First Amendment rights to free speech, and violations of federal obscenity laws are criminal offenses.  The U.S. courts use a three-pronged test, commonly referred to as the Miller test, to determine if given material is obscene.  Obscenity is defined as anything that fits the criteria of the Miller test, which may include, for example, visual depictions, spoken words, or written text.

Federal law makes it illegal to distribute, transport, sell, ship, mail, produce with intent to distribute or sell, or engage in a business of selling or transferring obscene matter. Convicted offenders face fines and imprisonment.  Although the law generally does not criminalize the private possession of obscene matter, the act of receiving such matter could violate federal laws prohibiting the use of the mails, common carriers, or interactive computer services for the purpose of transportation. (For more information, see Citizen's Guide to Federal Law on Obscenity).

The United States need strong, loophole-free Federal laws that are regularly enforced.  In order to make this happen, we need citizens from across the country to demand an end to the corruption, the violence, degradation, and victimization that flows from this despicable industry.

The first step is to take a stand and sign this petition!  Together, we can make a difference!