There is a lot of concern on social media among adult content creators that are understandably concerned and upset about the Republican party winning the presidency and senate majority; much of this concern is rooted in “Project 2025” an extreme far-right “wish list” that includes banning pornography and jailing the creators of pornography. “Project 2025” was created by former Trump administration officials during the presidency of Joe Biden and aims to radically restructure the executive branch of government in America, the 900 page “guide” targets LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, racial equity, and the topic relevant to us: porn. A lot of the included content within this conservative manifesto are unconstitutional ideas which would require an intense, and unlikely, group of politicians to back them to even see the light of day. That doesn’t mean that “Project 2025” or the Trump presidency should slip our minds: the time to take action against censorship, anti-porn legislation, and unconstitutional proposals is NOW.
Is porn going to become illegal due to Project 2025 or Donald Trump?
Project 2025 is not a proposed law or bill; while the ideation is concerning, it stems from far-right conservatives who have always been anti-pornography. Additionally, Trump has denied all claims that he is involved with Project 2025 although many people close to him did work on the project including his former acting defense secretary Chris Miller and Peter Navarro which is his former White House aide. It is likely that Trump knows about Project 2025 but he has not come out in support of it or claimed to have any intention to implement it. In short: No, porn should not become illegal due to Project 2025. The ideology associated with the creators of Project 2025 is what is more concerning but due the checks and balances in place within the government, IF pornography was going to be made illegal we would know months (if not years) in advance and it’d need to be voted on to become a federal law. The only way for pornography to become “illegal overnight” which seems to be a concern for some, would be if Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for pornography to become illegal in which case he’d call upon the federal government to support and uphold his decision. Trump is no stranger to executive orders, during his first presidency he signed a total of 220 of them, none of which banned pornography or made it illegal. While the risk is always there, considering his ability to have already done it in addition to his “businessman” and “economy first” ideals, it is extremely unlikely that he’d ban pornography via an executive order.
What does Project 2025 say regarding pornography that is concerning?
“Pornography, manifested today in the omnipresent propagation of transgender ideology and sexualization of children, for instance, is not a political Gordian knot inextricably binding up disparate claims about free speech, property rights, sexual liberation, and child welfare. It has no claim to First Amendment protection. Its purveyors are child predators and misogynistic exploiters of women. Their product is as addictive as any illicit drug and as psychologically destructive as any crime. Pornography should be outlawed. The people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders. And telecommunications and technology firms that facilitate its spread should be shuttered.” – Project 2025
What does a lawyer have to say about Project 2025 and it’s implications on the adult industry?
I’ve reached out to adult industry law professional and owner of MyAdultAttorney, Corey Silverstein, to get his opinions on the controversial Project 2025 and what he thinks it means for the adult industry from a legal standpoint.
- From a legal perspective, do you feel like Project 2025 is a real possibility and something that adult creators should be wary of since the Republicans won the senate and presidency?
“No. Project 2025 is a product of the Heritage Foundation, one of Washington’s most prominent right-wing think tanks. It first produced policy plans for future right wing administrations in 1981. It has produced similar documents in connection with subsequent elections. I do not believe that Project 2025 is a legitimate possibility. While Project 2025’s ideas are scary (as they are meant to be) – I do not believe it’s outrageous philosophy related to pornography will come to fruition.”
- Many creators are fearful of porn creation and distribution becoming illegal under Project 2025, is this a valid concern?
“Adult content creator have been under attack for as long as I can remember. Sex worker discrimination is real and adult content creators have every right to feel angst and anxiety. However, the prospects of porn creation and distribution becoming illegal are slim to none. The First Amendment would stand in the way. To me, the bigger concern is that the authors of Projection 2025 are actually out in the world trying to make people believe that their positions are valid.”
- Do you think webcam sites, clip sites, and fan sites will all be equally impacted if Project 2025 is passed in its current state?
“Again, the prospects of porn creation and distribution becoming outright illegal in the United States are slim to none.”
- Can you break down what Project 2025 is trying to accomplish within the porn sphere in more “simple terms?”
“Project 2025 is more of a wish list than actual proposed bills. However, it suggests that pornography creators and distributors should be imprisoned. i.e. it suggests that federal laws should be created that would make the creation or distribution of pornography a criminal offense.”
- What steps would you recommend that creators take to ensure their own safety in the current political climate?
“I’m actually very proud of how content creators brought awareness about Project 2025 and its dangers throughout the presidential election campaign. I encourage all creators to continue to vocalize and communicate with their local lawmakers about their concerns with the concepts raised in Project 2025. Open dialogue on social media is a fabulous tool and I hope that creators will continue to publicly challenge any lawmaker who supports Project 2025.”
- Do you have recommendations for what creators and fans can do to help prevent Project 2025 from becoming law?
“Again, Project 2025 is more of a wish list by far right wing ideologists. Contrary to the Heritage Foundation’s ridiculous notion, the First Amendment stands firmly in its way from becoming reality.”
- In your opinion – do you think Project 2025 will lead to pornography becoming illegal IF it is passed into law?
“No. Project 2025 is not a proposed law. It’s ideas call for the creation of laws that support its ideologies.”
- What is the estimated time frame in which pornographic content creators would have to find new jobs IF Project 2025 were to become law?
“It is not going to become law and I do not believe that adult content creators should have to endure any more pain and anxiety and I don’t want them to worry. Even if the Federal Government attempted to create a law making pornography illegal, it would take years to make its way through the legislative process and constitutional challenges – but again I do not see this as a probability.”
- Is there any legal grounds for Project 2025 to apply retroactively and cause content creators to be at risk of legal implication for content created prior to Project 2025 becoming law IF it does?
“It won’t.”
How to take action against Project 2025 and right wing anti-porn rhetoric
The most critical way to take action against Project 2025 and anti-pornography groups is to contact your representatives and make your opinion and values clear to them. You can use this handy tool provided by USA.gov to find out who your elected officials are. Their websites are listed so you can utilize the contact forms on their websites to reach out to them – you can even create a copy and paste message to send out to all of them. Their social media handles are also listed so you can tag them in posts on social media or message them directly on social media.
Speaking of social media, you can also engage in the campaigns that are ongoing to protect the porn industry including HandsOffMyPorn and the Progress Action Funds social media advertisements. You can utilize the resources provided by the Free Speech Coalition to help guide your education about Project 2025. Most importantly, you can use your voice to reach out to mutuals and fans to encourage them to educate themselves and reach out to their representatives as well!
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