Wait, Did Texas Just Restrict the Freedom of Speech?

In Texas, there are only two things that cannot be touched: Guns and God, and rightfully so. However, if you're fighting for free speech, then sorry pal, you're out of luck.

Texas lawmakers are pushing to keep limits on adult content this year. They say it’s about protecting people, but critics argue it’s hurting free speech. Advocates are speaking out, saying these rules go too far.

What does free speech have to do with anything?

The point of all this is to protect kids from harmful content(online adult content), but the law, in turn, makes it harder for adults to access these sites. People lose their online privacy because they have to prove their age.

Vera Eidelman, a staff attorney for the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project explained, 

"The law imposes significant burdens on adults’ access to constitutionally-protected expression, requiring them to provide personal identifying information online to access sensitive, intimate content."

The battle of HB 1181

The bill was signed into law back in 2023 by Texas Governor Greg Abbott; HB 1181 is described as, "relating to restricting access to sexual material harmful to minors. " Currently, it requires porn sites to verify official documentation, like government-issued ID, or face steep fines- up to $3 million!

This week, the Supreme Court will hear out arguments for Free Speech Coalition et al. v. Paxton. However, it's not the first time the bill has received pushback. In September 2024, U.S. District Judge David Ezra found that the law violates First Amendment free speech rights and is 'too vague.'

MASSIVE LIST OF RETAILERS CLOSING THEIR DOORS IN 2024

Inflations, online shopping, and bad business deals are causing many massive retailers to shut down. Check out 12 of the most recognizable mega stores that are cutting their losses and shutting down this year.

Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in Texas

Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in TX Protect Yourself from Vehicle Theft

Gallery Credit: Canva