1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 4938, the misleadingly named "Anticorruption of Public Morals Act." This bill, introduced by Rep. Josh Schriver and currently in the House Judiciary Committee, is a dangerous overreach that threatens both free speech and the rights of transgender individuals. HB 4938 proposes to ban all online pornography, including content that describes "a disconnection between biology and gender." This vague language could be used to censor and criminalize discussions of transgender identities and experiences. The bill's severe penalties—up to 25 years in prison and $125,000 in fines for cases involving more than 100 pieces of prohibited material—are grossly disproportionate and could have a chilling effect on free expression. The requirement for 24/7 content moderation with real-time scanning and immediate takedown is not only technologically impractical but also opens the door to widespread censorship. This approach could lead to the suppression of legitimate speech, art, and educational content. While protecting children is a worthy goal, this bill goes far beyond that purpose. It threatens to criminalize LGBTQ+ content creators and potentially anyone discussing gender identity online. This is a direct attack on the transgender community and their right to exist and express themselves freely. The bill's rushed timeline, with implementation just 90 days after enactment, would create chaos for online platforms and users alike. It fails to consider the complex realities of internet governance and the importance of protecting marginalized voices online. I urge you to reject HB 4938 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to child safety that do not infringe on constitutional rights or target vulnerable communities. Please stand up for free speech, LGBTQ+ rights, and a free and open internet by opposing this misguided and harmful legislation.