WASHINGTON, D.C. — Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF) filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's defense of House Bill 1181, which requires age verification for access to pornographic websites. The brief argues that states have both the right and responsibility to protect children from harmful online content.
The case, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, challenges Texas's authority to require commercial pornography websites to verify users' ages before granting access. CDF's brief, filed by attorneys of Muise Law Group and Remnant Law with prominent constitutional attorney Erin Elizabeth Mersino as counsel of records, presents compelling evidence that unrestricted access to pornography causes documented psychological and physical harm to minors.
"States have long held the constitutional authority to protect children from obscene materials," said Mersino. "Texas's measured approach simply requires age verification - a standard practice already used for alcohol, tobacco, and gambling websites."
The brief demonstrates that the adult entertainment industry's interpretation of key Supreme Court precedents would strip states of their fundamental police powers to protect minors. It argues that the Court's established obscenity doctrine provides clear authorization for state-level regulation of online pornography access.
CDF's filing comes as recent studies show that 93% of boys and 62% of girls encounter online pornography before age 18, with 83% of these encounters being unwanted. The brief highlights how technological changes since previous Supreme Court decisions have dramatically increased children's vulnerability to explicit content.
"This case represents a critical moment for protecting children in the digital age," said CDF Texas State Director Colby Wiltse. "We urge the Supreme Court to uphold Texas's reasonable safeguards and reaffirm states' authority to shield minors from harmful content."
The Supreme Court's decision will have nationwide implications for states' ability to regulate minors' access to online pornography. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals previously upheld the Texas law.
About Citizens Defending Freedom:
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.