1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

The proposed legislation S. 1671 aims to redefine the legal definition of obscenity under the Communications Act of 1934, which could have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and artistic freedom across various media, and may be used to target minority groups. Updating this decades-old law raises concerns about potential overreach and subjective interpretations that could inadvertently censor or restrict constitutionally protected speech. It is crucial to carefully examine the ramifications of altering such a pivotal legal concept and ensure that any modifications uphold the fundamental principles of free speech enshrined in the First Amendment. Before proceeding with this bill, a thorough and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including civil liberties organizations, creative industries, and minority communities, is warranted to strike the appropriate balance between protecting artistic expression and addressing legitimate public concerns.