A recent legislative proposal has stirred up controversy among critics of Donald Trump’s administration and its Republican allies.
The idea of government intrusion into personal spaces is generally unwelcome, yet a new proposal seeks to extend its reach into private activities.
At the beginning of this month, Republican Senator Angela Paxton, who is married to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, introduced a bill aimed at penalizing online retailers that sell “obscene devices” without verifying the buyer’s age.
The term “obscene device” is defined by the state’s penal code as “a device including a dildo or artificial vagina, designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs.”
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in retailers facing up to a year of imprisonment and a fine of $4,000.
In another legislative move, Texas Republicans have proposed a bill to restrict the sale of sex toys in major retailers, like Target, Walmart, and CVS, confining their availability to “sexually oriented businesses” such as adult stores and strip clubs.
Those looking to invest in some personal indulgence might find themselves restricted under these new proposals.
Media outlets have criticized these measures, suggesting that Donald Trump and the Republican party are launching an offensive against personal privacy, particularly concerning masturbation.
Sexual health professionals have weighed in on the potential impacts of the proposed legislation.
A clinical social worker and sex educator has expressed concerns about the negative implications this bill could have on public perception.
Dr. Shamyra Howard, speaking to the Dallas Observer, commented, “Requiring ID to purchase a sex toy sends the message that pleasure is something to be policed and surveilled.”
“It pathologizes something that is completely normal and turns a private, healthy act into something shameful.”
“This kind of legislation doesn’t protect people; it embarrasses them. It creates unnecessary barriers and reinforces harmful stigmas that many of us have spent years trying to dismantle.”
Dr. Howard also highlighted the health benefits associated with personal devices and the necessity for accessible purchasing.
He elaborated, “What’s often overlooked is that sex toys are not just about pleasure. They’re also part of comprehensive sexual wellness.”
“Men use them too, both for pleasure and to manage erectile issues, neuropathy from diabetes and poor blood flow related to high blood pressure.”
“There are devices designed to support pain management, pelvic floor health, sex toys even help people manage mental health issues through stress relief and help to re-establish intimacy after medical procedures or trauma.”