Texas Bill Proposes Photo ID Requirement for Online Sex Toy Purchases
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A new bill introduced in Texas is sparking controversy as it seeks to mandate age verification for online purchases of sex toys, labelling them as “obscene devices”. State Senator Angela Paxton, the wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, introduced the bill, known as SB 3003. If passed, the bill would necessitate individuals buying sex toys online to provide proof of being 18 or older, either through a government-issued identification or a third-party age-verification service. This requirement would apply even if the purchase is made using a credit card, which cannot be issued to individuals under 18 in the United States.
Currently, Texas Penal Code Section 43.23 prohibits ownership of “six or more obscene devices” in the state. Despite being deemed “unenforceable” in 2022, the law remains in place in Texas. These “obscene devices” are defined in Penal Code Section 43.21 as devices primarily designed or marketed for stimulating human genital organs, including items such as dildos or artificial vaginas. Critics of the bill argue that it could jeopardize the safety of transgender individuals and others by potentially enabling the government to monitor their purchases.
Hallie Lieberman, author of Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, expressed concerns about the regression in laws related to sex toys. Lieberman highlighted how in the past, such devices were sometimes marketed as medical tools to circumvent regulations. Vibrators, for instance, have been recognised by the National Library of Medicine as a legitimate treatment for various sexual dysfunctions and enhancements, including erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia.
Despite the potential medical benefits of sex toys, critics emphasise the privacy concerns raised by the proposed bill. Lieberman cautioned against allowing the government to keep records of individuals’ sex toy purchases, particularly in a political climate where the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including transgender people, are often challenged. Online retailers could face penalties of up to $5,000 and be charged with a Class A Misdemeanour if they fail to verify ages for sex toy sales.
The debate surrounding the Texas bill underscores broader issues of privacy, personal autonomy, and government regulation. As discussions continue, stakeholders are examining the implications of such legislation on varying communities and the potential precedents it may set for online commerce regulations. Stay tuned for further updates as the bill progresses through legislative channels, shaping the landscape of online sex toy purchases in Texas and potentially beyond.