Public display of lewd acts; prohibiting lewd acts or obscene material in public place; creating felony offense for intentional display of lewd acts or obscene material to minor. Effective date.
If enacted, SB503 will create new legal liabilities for individuals engaging in or facilitating lewd acts and the display of obscene materials in public areas. It introduces felony charges for those who intentionally display such acts in the presence of minors, allowing private individuals to pursue legal action against offenders. This legislation represents a significant change in how public decency laws are enforced in Oklahoma, emphasizing the government’s role in protecting children from perceived moral dangers.
Senate Bill 503, also known as the Public Display of Lewd Acts Bill, aims to regulate and prohibit the display of lewd acts and obscene materials in public places, particularly where minors might witness them. The bill defines lewd acts broadly, including behaviors such as indecent exposure, sexual touching, and the display of sexual paraphernalia. It seeks to establish a uniform legal framework that underscores the protection of minors from exposure to inappropriate sexual content in public spaces.
The sentiment surrounding SB503 appears to be largely supportive among conservatives and groups advocating for child safety, who view the bill as a necessary measure to protect children from inappropriate content in public settings. However, there are concerns from various advocacy groups about potential overreach and the implications for freedom of expression. The bill has sparked discussions about balancing the protection of minors with the rights of individuals to express themselves in public.
Key points of contention regarding SB503 focus on its definition of lewd acts and the implications for public performances and artistic expressions. Critics argue that the broad definitions could lead to over-enforcement and censorship, inadvertently affecting theater, art, and performances that may involve nudity or sexual themes. There are worries that the bill could infringe on rights of free speech and artistic expression, particularly in venues where adult content is already regulated.