Jurists United to Stop Trafficking Imitation Child Exploitation Act of 2023 or the JUSTICE Act of 2023 This bill broadens the federal criminal prohibition on importation or transportation of obscene materials. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime to import, or knowingly use a common carrier or interactive computer service to transport, a child sex doll.
The bill is expected to have far-reaching implications on state and federal laws pertaining to the regulation of sexually explicit materials. By outlawing the import and transport of these dolls, the bill aims to prevent the normalization of child exploitation behaviors. Supporters argue that this measure is crucial for the protection of minors and for sending a strong societal signal against child sexual abuse and trafficking.
House Bill 148, known as the Jurists United to Stop Trafficking Imitation Child Exploitation Act of 2023 or the JUSTICE Act of 2023, seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code. The primary aim of this bill is to prohibit the importation and transportation of child sex dolls. The bill explicitly defines a 'child sex doll' as being anatomically correct, resembling a minor, and intended for sexual acts. This legislation represents a significant tightening of laws surrounding obscene materials and child exploitation.
However, this bill may meet opposition from civil liberties advocates who argue that it could infringe on personal freedoms and could be seen as overreach in terms of defining obscenity. Critics might contend that the bill does not take into account the nuances of artistic expression or adult entertainment and that it could set a concerning precedent for future legislative actions surrounding adult materials. The balance between safeguarding children and maintaining personal liberties will likely be a point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.