Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton that states may enact laws requiring pornographic websites to use effective age verification to protect children from harmful and inappropriate content.This is a historic win for protecting children across our nation. True North Legal submitted an amicus brief alongside allies at Kansas Family Foundation in this crucial case. The brief explains that due to the rise of the internet pornography is now more accessible than ever before. It argues that the Court should uphold laws that allow states to protect its youngest citizens from vile online pornographic images, citing studies and examples that have proven pornography’s harmful impact on young minds.
“Laws like this have passed with bipartisan support in every state in which they have become law and been signed by both Republican and Democratic governors,” stated Renee Carlson, General Counsel of True North Legal. “Legislators have a civic duty to protect the citizens of the state, of all ages, from harm. As we explained in our brief in this case, the pornography industry is indeed harmful to children and adolescents. Following this monumental decision, the path forward is crystal clear for Minnesota legislators: they must pass legislation joining other Midwestern states like Kansas and Indiana, investing in these critical steps toward making the internet a safe space for our children.
We cannot allow the victimization of innocent children as a result of unfettered access to online pornography every single day. This ruling is one step in the right direction, ensuring legislators the deference needed to enact these kinds of important policies that safeguard children and adolescents.”
You can read more here about True North Legal’s work on this significant case in an op-ed written by Renee K. Carlson and Brittany M. Jones.