Where were you when they came for your sex toys?
A recently proposed bill has stirred up quite a reaction, with many people expressing strong disapproval toward Donald Trump’s administration and the Republican lawmakers supporting it.
For most people, the thought of the government stepping into their personal space—especially their bedrooms—is uncomfortable. But this bill aims to give them more say in what you can and cannot do in private, especially during your alone time.
Earlier this month, Republican Senator Angela Paxton—who is also the wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton—put forward a bill that would penalize online sellers for providing what’s called an 'obscene device' to someone without verifying their age first.
If you're wondering what counts as an 'obscene device', the state's penal code provides a pretty clear definition. It refers to items like dildos or artificial vaginas that are mainly designed or marketed to stimulate the genitals.
Under this proposal, businesses that fail to follow the new rule could end up facing serious consequences, including a fine of $4,000 and up to a year behind bars.
And that’s not all. A separate bill introduced by Republicans in the same state is calling for big-name stores such as Target, Walmart, and CVS to stop selling sex toys altogether. Instead, these products would only be allowed to be sold in places like sex shops or strip clubs—what they refer to as 'sexually oriented businesses.'
So, if you were planning to treat yourself to some cozy self-care items, it might be tougher than you thought—at least in certain areas.
Some media outlets have gone as far as to say that Donald Trump and other Republicans are using this moment to push what looks like a full-on campaign against masturbation and personal freedom behind closed doors.
And it’s not just journalists raising concerns. Several sexual health professionals have already stepped forward to express their worries about what this bill could mean.
A certified clinical social worker and experienced sex educator shared her thoughts on how damaging this kind of law could be for people across the country.
Dr. Shamyra Howard spoke with the Dallas Observer and explained: "Requiring ID to purchase a sex toy sends the message that pleasure is something to be policed and surveilled."
"It pathologizes something that is completely normal and turns a private, healthy act into something shameful."
"This kind of legislation doesn't protect people; it embarrasses them. It creates unnecessary barriers and reinforces harmful stigmas that many of us have spent years trying to dismantle."
Dr. Howard also highlighted how important it is that people are able to access these devices easily—not just for pleasure, but for their overall health and well-being.
She added: "What's often overlooked is that sex toys are not just about pleasure. They're also part of comprehensive sexual wellness."
"Men use them too, both for pleasure and to manage erectile issues, neuropathy from diabetes and poor blood flow related to high blood pressure."
"There are devices designed to support pain management, pelvic floor health, sex toys even help people manage mental health issues through stress relief and help to re-establish intimacy after medical procedures or trauma."
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