Interstate Obscenity Definition Act

The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act proposes to amend the Communications Act of 1934 by establishing a specific definition for "obscenity," primarily for visual depictions. Under this definition, a visual depiction is considered obscene if, taken as a whole, it appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion, and depicts actual or simulated sexual acts or lewd exhibition of genitals with the objective intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires. Crucially, for a depiction to be deemed obscene, it must also, taken as a whole, lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Additionally, the bill amends existing law by removing the "intent to abuse, threaten, or harass another person" requirement from provisions concerning obscene or harassing telephone calls in interstate or foreign communications.