Prohibiting certain advertising by adult venues on public billboards
Impact
If passed, SB214 would directly affect how adult entertainment venues market their services, primarily limiting their visibility and promotional reach through outdoor advertising. This change would align state law with concerns over public decency, particularly regarding the content seen by the general public. The bill reinforces existing regulations on outdoor advertising, expanding those constraints to include specific content types deemed inappropriate for public display.
Summary
Senate Bill 214 aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by prohibiting adult entertainment and exotic entertainment venues from advertising on public billboards. The bill outlines specific restrictions, including the prohibition of imagery or references that suggest nudity or sexually explicit content. The intent of this legislation is to maintain community standards and protect public decency by restricting what can be publicly advertised adjacent to roads within the state road system. This is particularly aimed at reducing exposure to children and families using public spaces.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be a mixture of support and contention. Proponents, possibly including members of the community and legislators who favor strict decency laws, advocate for the bill as a necessary measure for upholding societal norms. Conversely, opponents may argue that such restrictions infringe on free speech and the rights of businesses to advertise legitimately. The discourse may reflect broader societal attitudes towards adult entertainment and its regulation, indicating a structural divide between advocates for public morality and those defending individual liberties.
Contention
Key points of contention include the balance between protecting public decency and maintaining freedom of speech, particularly in regards to how far the state should regulate advertising practices. Advocates for adult entertainment venues might express concerns about the potential economic impact of restricted advertising visibility, arguing that such restrictions could impair their ability to attract customers. Furthermore, the definition of 'appropriate' advertising can be subjective, leading to debates over where the line should be drawn regarding public exposure to adult-oriented content.