The buzz from Alabama - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

JoeyB · 04-30-2003, 12:23 PM

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Sex toys are still against the law in Alabama, at least as far as the Alabama Legislature is concerned.

The Alabama House voted against a bill Tuesday that would have removed a ban on sexual devices, such as vibrators, from the state's obscenity law. The ban on sexual devices was added at the last minute when the obscenity law passed the Legislature in 1998.

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Any thoughts? Other than removing Mobile from your travel itinerary???

Phaenx · 04-30-2003, 12:27 PM

I think the less vibrators in use increases the demand for penis, particularly, mine.

MSD · 04-30-2003, 03:24 PM

It's yet another ridiculous case of legislating morality based on archaic religious beliefs.

louiedog · 04-30-2003, 03:29 PM

what about that software that turns your nokia into a vibrator? is it illegal for them to let someone residing in alabama to download it?

anyone have the link? i can't seem to find it.

ARTelevision · 04-30-2003, 03:59 PM

The problem is that politicians get elected to do stuff like this.
They wouldn't do it if there wasn't a lot of sex-negative people in the world who think these laws are needed.
What's the story?

Why are so many of us so sex-negative?
And why is it a political thing?

greytone · 04-30-2003, 04:01 PM

We need a constitutional ammendment to ensure our right to adult novelties. No one who thinks this is a good law is intelectually qualified to hold elected office in our country.

Somenosuke · 04-30-2003, 04:05 PM

Well, that most certainly does suck. I don't think America will ever be a truly sexually liberal country. I guess people are just too comfortable with repression. It's sad.

prettypinkfiary · 04-30-2003, 04:06 PM

it's sad but at least cuecumbers are still legal!

james t kirk · 04-30-2003, 04:06 PM

Thank christ i don't live in Alabama.

So let me get this straight.......

Buying a 20 dollar vibrator that will give a woman an orgasm (presumably a natural function) is obscene, but the selling of hand guns for the taking of human life is perfectly ok.

WTF is wrong with this picture.

prettypinkfiary · 04-30-2003, 04:07 PM

oh now don't you even go bringing guns into this. even in the south most would agree dildos and handguns don't mix!

JNshorty · 04-30-2003, 04:10 PM

Hmm a ban on sex toys, In America, isn't everyone seeing it on sex anyways, how can they possibly back up a claim on "sex related products" when thats most of what you see on television?

JStrider · 04-30-2003, 04:14 PM

well now their fellow brothers and sisters must be sex toy enough for them....

its pretty lame ... americans are so sexually closed minded...

EDIT: i miss read it and posted thinking it was arkansas...

bubbaspike · 04-30-2003, 04:14 PM

Just another example of beaurocracy gone batty.
They should go get a real job if they can't handle
the 21st century.

G_Whiz · 04-30-2003, 04:17 PM

I thought about making a snide comment that would have probably pissed off anyone from Alabama. I decided that a more responsible statement was needed.

Basically, this is another example of a narrow-minded legislature deciding that we need to be protected from ourselves. Even in states where sex toys are legal (most of them, I bet), people don't go around showing off their toys to strangers or young children. So, how are these toys obscene by themselves?

*G_Whiz slowly shakes his head in disbelief*

BBtB · 04-30-2003, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JStrider
EDIT: i miss read it and posted thinking it was arkansas...

You say that like it makes a difference. Mobile... some place in arkansas... same thing. I think its stupid but thats the bible belt for you. It sucks let me tell you. Thats the same reason why we can't get porn here in oklahoma. (not the real kind atleast) Thank god for the internet. And why can't we all just go "Okay,lets just make a sweeping law for EVERYTHING. As long as it dosn't hurt anyone else and everyone involved is consenting (and of a consenting age...) then whatever people do IN THEIR OWN HOMES is legal."

EDIT: Small rant I want to add. And its not like banning their sale (or even making it a fineable offense to own one) is going to keep them out. Its just going to make everyone go across state borders for them like we do for the lottery.

sixate · 04-30-2003, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ARTelevision
Why are so many of us so sex-negative?
And why is it a political thing?

Because parents teach their kids that sex is a bad thing. I have no fucking clue why it's a political thing. It isn't a political thing to me unless we have a president that fucks interns and lies about it. Thankfully he's gone, but for the average Joe as long as someone isn't being raped or a kid isn't being abused there should not be a problem with sex toys. What the fuck is wrong with two adults that want to spice up their sex lives? Not a fucking thing. People need to grow up and realize that just because it's something they wouldn't do that doesn't always mean that it should be illegal. The people who voted for this should all have a giant 15 inch dildo shoved in their tight asses cause they need to loosen up.

BBtB · 04-30-2003, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sixate
People need to grow up and realize that just because it's something they wouldn't do that doesn't always mean that it should be illegal.

That brings up a question, what IS their legal basis for this anyway?

phredgreen · 04-30-2003, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ARTelevision
Why are so many of us so sex-negative?
And why is it a political thing?

six, it goes much further than just parents. like i've said before, the norms of society most often are set by religious standards. regardless of whether one beleives or not, if the majority does, then their beleif system will most likely be the social norm, and therefore be the popular idea.

now with that in mind...

politicians have lots of different ways of getting elected. it has alot to do with where you're from. when you're from alabama, many of the voting public appreciate a "godfearing man" who will represent them and their beleifs when enacting laws. we're talking about the bible belt, folks. we're talking about a state that to this day is still very unfriendly to minorties regardless of how long it's been outlawed to do so... and when those people spoke out and said they want this "godfearing man" to represent them, they placed a responsibility on this man to keep them happy and represent their wishes... if he dosen't he's out of a job.

so where does that leave us?

a state whose public is very religiously driven will of course oppose any kind of "deviancy" regardless of how modern other states have become. in a typical southerner's mind, there is no desire to grow and become a thriving modern metropolis... and they sure as shit don't want all of the "Sin and Debaucthury" that goes with it.

we're talking about alabama, folks. this should come as no big suprise. an amusement to those of us who consider ourselves more "modern" than those "good ol' boys", but not a suprise.

SaltPork · 04-30-2003, 08:02 PM

beat me to the punch Phred.

frenik · 04-30-2003, 08:59 PM

Ala. Code. § 13A-12-200.2

Quote:

Ala. Code. § 13A-12-200.2
Distribution, possession with intent to distribute, production, etc., of obscene material prohibited; penalties; distribution of fines.

(a)(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly distribute, possess with intent to distribute, or offer or agree to distribute any obscene material or any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs for any thing of pecuniary value. Material not otherwise obscene may be obscene under this section if the distribution of the material, the offer to do so, or the possession with the intent to do so is a commercial exploitation of erotica solely for the sake of prurient appeal. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than one year. A second or subsequent violation of this subdivision is a Class C felony if the second or subsequent violation occurs after a conviction has been obtained for a previous violation. Upon a second violation, a corporation or business entity shall be fined not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) nor more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person, being a wholesaler, to knowingly distribute, possess with intent to distribute, or offer or agree to distribute, for the purpose of resale or commercial distribution at retail, any obscene material or any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs for any thing of pecuniary value. Material not otherwise obscene may be obscene under this section if the distribution of the material, the offer to do so, or the possession with the intent to do so is a commercial exploitation of erotica solely for the sake of their prurient appeal. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than one year. A second or subsequent violation of this subdivision is a Class C felony if the second or subsequent violation occurs after a conviction has been obtained for a previous violation. Upon a second violation, a corporation or business entity shall be fined not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) nor more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly produce, or offer or agree to produce, any obscene material or any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs for any thing of pecuniary value. Material not otherwise obscene may be obscene under this section if the distribution of the material, the offer to do so, or the possession with the intent to do so is a commercial exploitation of erotica solely for the sake of prurient appeal. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a Class C felony.

(4) If a person is held under this section in the county jail, one-half of any fines collected and due to be deposited to the State General Fund for violations of this section shall be paid by the Comptroller to the general fund of the county where the person is held for the operation of the county jail.

A little more info... up to $10,000 and up to one year in prison on first offense of "distribution or possesion with intent to distribute". Ouch.

As for why America is so negative towards sexuality, it is because we our countries foundation is a Puritan one. In my opinion we need to break away from it, but it's going to be tough because of how ingrained it is in our society.

alpha phi · 05-01-2003, 06:20 AM

The politition who wrote this law must of been really intimidated by his wife's viberator.
either it was much larger then he was, or she tried it out on him

louiedog · 05-01-2003, 07:07 AM

possession with intent to distribute? what are these drugs?

i also hate the majority of attitudes toward sex in this country. we show lots of violence and degredation of women on tv, but we can't show a pair of breasts on tv unless it's late at night on a movie channel.

i've seen figures showing that we have more abortions and teenage births in this country than european countries. we aren't having more sex as teens, it's roughly the same. we are using less condoms, i have a feeling if there were healthier attitudes and kids weren't afraid of going to their neighborhood store and picking up a box things would change.

Tirian · 05-03-2003, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by prettypinkfiary
it's sad but at least cuecumbers are still legal!

"Material not otherwise obscene may be obscene under this section if the distribution of the material, the offer to do so, or the possession with the intent to do so is a commercial exploitation of erotica solely for the sake of prurient appeal. "

That depends on how the cukes are packaged.

BBtB · 05-03-2003, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tirian
"Material not otherwise obscene may be obscene under this section if the distribution of the material, the offer to do so, or the possession with the intent to do so is a commercial exploitation of erotica solely for the sake of prurient appeal. "

That depends on how the cukes are packaged.

Puts a whole new thought to remember to eat your veggies

riskybiz · 05-03-2003, 01:38 AM

This kind of 'legislated morality' could not have happened without the influence of religion. So sad. So stupid.

james t kirk · 05-03-2003, 06:09 AM

A strange thought just occured to me....

Oh how i wish we could move Toronto's Gay Pride Day Parade to Mobile Alabama.

http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/28.shtml

http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/20.shtml

http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/18.shtml

http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/18.shtml

http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/33.shtml

http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/40.shtml

http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/45.shtml

04-30-2003, 12:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
JoeyB feeling tingly	The buzz from Alabama MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Sex toys are still against the law in Alabama, at least as far as the Alabama Legislature is concerned. The Alabama House voted against a bill Tuesday that would have removed a ban on sexual devices, such as vibrators, from the state's obscenity law. The ban on sexual devices was added at the last minute when the obscenity law passed the Legislature in 1998. - - - - - - - - - - Any thoughts? Other than removing Mobile from your travel itinerary??? __________________ My mom is a Diamondbacks fan. She really likes the Big Unit

04-30-2003, 12:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phaenx The Northern Ward Location: Columbus, Ohio	I think the less vibrators in use increases the demand for penis, particularly, mine. __________________ "I went shopping last night at like 1am. The place was empty and this old woman just making polite conversation said to me, 'where is everyone??' I replied, 'In bed, same place you and I should be!' Took me ten minutes to figure out why she gave me a dirty look." --Some guy

04-30-2003, 03:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	Sex-Negative News: Alabama Votes Against Legalizing Sex Toys The problem is that politicians get elected to do stuff like this. They wouldn't do it if there wasn't a lot of sex-negative people in the world who think these laws are needed. What's the story? Why are so many of us so sex-negative? And why is it a political thing? __________________ create evolution Last edited by ARTelevision; 04-30-2003 at 04:36 PM..

04-30-2003, 04:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
greytone Junkie	We need a constitutional ammendment to ensure our right to adult novelties. No one who thinks this is a good law is intelectually qualified to hold elected office in our country. __________________ I was there to see beautiful naked women. So was everybody else. It's a common failing. Robert A Heinlein in "They Do It With Mirrors"

04-30-2003, 04:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
Somenosuke Insane Location: The 7th Level..	Well, that most certainly does suck. I don't think America will ever be a truly sexually liberal country. I guess people are just too comfortable with repression. It's sad. __________________ Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. Yes is the answer.

04-30-2003, 03:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	It's yet another ridiculous case of legislating morality based on archaic religious beliefs.

04-30-2003, 03:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
louiedog Crazy	what about that software that turns your nokia into a vibrator? is it illegal for them to let someone residing in alabama to download it? anyone have the link? i can't seem to find it.

04-30-2003, 04:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
prettypinkfiary Upright Location: Louisianna	it's sad but at least cuecumbers are still legal! __________________ Makeing the world a better place, one pouff of fairy dust at a time

04-30-2003, 04:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
james t kirk Junkie Location: Toronto	Thank christ i don't live in Alabama. So let me get this straight....... Buying a 20 dollar vibrator that will give a woman an orgasm (presumably a natural function) is obscene, but the selling of hand guns for the taking of human life is perfectly ok. WTF is wrong with this picture.

04-30-2003, 04:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
prettypinkfiary Upright Location: Louisianna	oh now don't you even go bringing guns into this. even in the south most would agree dildos and handguns don't mix! __________________ Makeing the world a better place, one pouff of fairy dust at a time

04-30-2003, 04:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
JNshorty Upright Location: Half-Bakedfield, California	Hmm a ban on sex toys, In America, isn't everyone seeing it on sex anyways, how can they possibly back up a claim on "sex related products" when thats most of what you see on television? __________________ "Good Times, Good Times"

04-30-2003, 04:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	well now their fellow brothers and sisters must be sex toy enough for them.... its pretty lame ... americans are so sexually closed minded... EDIT: i miss read it and posted thinking it was arkansas... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

04-30-2003, 04:14 PM	#13 (permalink)
bubbaspike Psycho Location: neither here, nor there	Just another example of beaurocracy gone batty. They should go get a real job if they can't handle the 21st century. __________________ Y'all watch this.......

04-30-2003, 04:17 PM	#14 (permalink)
G_Whiz Junkie Location: Northern California	I thought about making a snide comment that would have probably pissed off anyone from Alabama. I decided that a more responsible statement was needed. Basically, this is another example of a narrow-minded legislature deciding that we need to be protected from ourselves. Even in states where sex toys are legal (most of them, I bet), people don't go around showing off their toys to strangers or young children. So, how are these toys obscene by themselves? G_Whiz slowly shakes his head in disbelief __________________ If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

04-30-2003, 08:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
SaltPork Everything's better with bacon Location: In your local grocer's freezer.	beat me to the punch Phred. __________________ It was like that when I got here....I swear.

05-01-2003, 06:20 AM	#21 (permalink)
alpha phi seeker Location: home	The politition who wrote this law must of been really intimidated by his wife's viberator. either it was much larger then he was, or she tried it out on him __________________ All ideas in this communication are sole property of the voices in my head. (C) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 "The Voices" (TM). All rights reserved.

05-01-2003, 07:07 AM	#22 (permalink)
louiedog Crazy	possession with intent to distribute? what are these drugs? i also hate the majority of attitudes toward sex in this country. we show lots of violence and degredation of women on tv, but we can't show a pair of breasts on tv unless it's late at night on a movie channel. i've seen figures showing that we have more abortions and teenage births in this country than european countries. we aren't having more sex as teens, it's roughly the same. we are using less condoms, i have a feeling if there were healthier attitudes and kids weren't afraid of going to their neighborhood store and picking up a box things would change.

05-03-2003, 01:38 AM	#25 (permalink)
riskybiz Psycho Location: The Granite State "Live Free or Die"	This kind of 'legislated morality' could not have happened without the influence of religion. So sad. So stupid. __________________ "I'd like to meet the person who invented sex and see what they're working on now." -Groucho Marx

05-03-2003, 06:09 AM	#26 (permalink)
james t kirk Junkie Location: Toronto	A strange thought just occured to me.... Oh how i wish we could move Toronto's Gay Pride Day Parade to Mobile Alabama. http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/28.shtml http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/20.shtml http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/18.shtml http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/18.shtml http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/33.shtml http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/40.shtml http://cabbagetowntoronto.com/gaypride/45.shtml