1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

We stand in strong opposition to Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to expand and strictly enforce federal obscenity laws. This proposal is not only a threat to free speech and creative expression, but also a dangerous step toward government overreach and censorship. The term "obscenity" is notoriously vague and subjective. History shows that such laws are often weaponized against marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, sex educators, and artists whose work challenges mainstream norms. Censorship of sexual expression disproportionately silences vulnerable voices, erases valid forms of identity and storytelling, and fosters stigma and shame. Restricting access to sexual content under the guise of morality does not make society safer—it limits education, impedes public health messaging, and chills honest conversations about consent, pleasure, gender, and identity. These are critical elements of a healthy and informed society. We urge our elected officials to: • Reject any federal legislation that broadens obscenity enforcement. • Defend the First Amendment rights of all Americans. • Recognize the harm that censorship of sexuality inflicts on public discourse and personal freedom. Free speech is not a partisan issue. We call on leaders from all backgrounds to stand against this dangerous proposal and uphold the constitutional values that protect every voice.