Overview

• Republican Senator Mike Lee and Rep. Mary Miller have introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) in both chambers of Congress.
• The bill aims to replace the 1973 Supreme Court's Miller Test for obscenity with a new federal standard targeting content that appeals to prurient interest and lacks serious value.
• The IODA removes the intent requirement from current obscenity law, allowing prosecution for sharing sexual content deemed arousing, regardless of intent.
• Sen. Lee argues the bill addresses the proliferation of extreme pornography and its accessibility to children, aligning with conservative Project 2025 goals.
• This marks Lee's third attempt to pass similar legislation, following unsuccessful efforts in 2022 and 2024, with the bill now awaiting committee consideration.