Brief Summary
The Texas SB20 bill has passed the House and is expected to become law, sparking concerns among anime, manga, and comic book fans. The bill aims to prevent the distribution of obscene material depicting individuals under 18, including cartoons and AI-generated images. This raises First Amendment concerns and potential for misuse, despite existing laws against child pornography. The law's broad scope could lead to censorship and legal challenges, but some believe the Supreme Court will ultimately strike it down.
- SB20 bill passed in Texas, targets obscene material depicting minors, including cartoons and AI-generated images.
- Concerns over First Amendment rights and potential for misuse against comic book stores and individuals.
- Possible Supreme Court challenge and potential involvement of companies like Crunchyroll to fight the law.
Texas SB20 Passes House
The SB20 bill has passed the House in Texas and is expected to become law. This bill is a cause for concern for anime, manga, and comic book fans. The bill will likely go back to the Senate to sign off on amendments before heading to the governor, who is expected to sign it into effect.
What is SB20?
The SB20 bill criminalizes the possession, access, or promotion of obscene visual material depicting individuals under 18, regardless of whether it's an actual child, cartoon, animation, or AI-generated image. This is concerning because current federal law protects art, statues, animation, and comics, requiring depictions to be "indistinguishable from the real thing" to be considered illegal. The new law's overreach could criminalize a wide range of visual content.
Why it's Unconstitutional
The speaker believes the SB20 bill is unconstitutional because it contradicts existing case law and precedents set by the Supreme Court, which emphasize the "indistinguishable from the real thing" standard. The current federal law protects art, statues, animation, and comics, requiring depictions to be "indistinguishable from the real thing" to be considered illegal.
Why They Made This Law?
The speaker suggests the bill is aimed at purging graphic novels and other materials related to transgenderism and identity from schools and libraries. The speaker believes that lawmakers are aware that the law will likely be struck down by the Supreme Court, but they are still pursuing it to achieve their immediate goals. The speaker is concerned about the collateral damage that could occur in the process.
Supporting Freedom of Expression
The speaker establishes their stance, emphasizing their strong opposition to the exploitation of children and support for severe punishment for those involved in child pornography. They are also a strong supporter of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and expression, and they are concerned about the potential for censorship and the broad scope of the bill. The speaker believes that once the door to censorship is opened, it is difficult to close.
Potential Impact of SB20
The bill's broad language could lead to the censorship of animation, comics, manga, and even cartoons, as it covers anything that "appears to be" under 18. This leaves interpretation to enforcers, potentially leading to lawsuits and store closures. The speaker fears the law could be weaponized to target individuals or businesses based on personal vendettas, extending beyond comic book stores and Texas residents.
What Will Happen Now?
The bill is expected to pass through the Senate and be signed by the governor, leading to the purging of certain content from schools and libraries. The speaker suggests contacting the governor to voice concerns, but doubts it will change the outcome. The speaker anticipates that the law will be used to attack individuals or businesses, particularly comic book stores, leading to legal challenges.
What We Can Do Now?
The speaker advises monitoring the enforcement of the law, which will take effect on September 1st. The speaker recommends supporting individuals or businesses that are targeted by the law, as it may require a long trial process to reach the Supreme Court. The speaker mentions the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund as a group to follow for updates and support.
Sony or Corporations Could Fight This
The speaker suggests that companies like Crunchyroll and manga distributors with a presence in Texas could challenge the law, given their financial resources and the potential impact on their business. The speaker expresses surprise that these companies didn't intervene earlier. The speaker believes that these companies may be relying on the Supreme Court to overturn the law if it affects them.
Japan Fears Impact
Japanese officials are monitoring the SB20 bill due to concerns about its impact on the distribution of anime and manga to Texas. The law raises questions about the legality of selling content to Texans and is seen as a sign of potential future issues related to international agreements on cybercrime. Japan views the United States as an ally in these matters.
Final Thoughts
The speaker concludes on a positive note, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court will strike down the law as unconstitutional, as it infringes on First Amendment rights. The speaker warns that some negative consequences may occur before the Supreme Court intervenes. The speaker promises to provide updates on the situation and advises viewers to seek legal counsel and do their own research.
