Regulating Desire: The U.S. Southern States Anti-Porn Bills and Public Perspectives

East Tower 

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary Southern anti-pornography bills in the United States, examining the cultural and moral frameworks they construct around sexuality and obscenity. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), I examine 24 bills introduced between 2022 and 2024, uncovering how scientific rhetoric, vague references, and moral undertones shape the legal discourse on pornography, particularly in relation to protecting minors in the digital landscape. These bills often blur lines between legality, morality, and cultural bias, reinforcing traditional Southern values while adapting to new technological realities. Additionally, the study incorporates public opinion data collected through a survey targeting adult individuals living in Southern U.S. states. The survey explores perspectives on pornography regulation, consumption, and the experience of encountering pornographic content across media and online platforms. Preliminary insights suggest that Southern residents' views on pornography are shaped by cultural norms, legal frameworks, media consumption, and exposure to digital content. Responses reveal varying opinions on the role of government regulation, its effectiveness in controlling access to pornographic material, and its broader impact on sex work and online media. Combining legal analysis with public opinion data provides a nuanced understanding of how anti-porn legislation not only reflects cultural values but also interacts with public attitudes toward sexuality, digital media, and the sex industry.