The Comstock Act: A Prohibition on Obscenity
The Brainchild of Anthony Comstock
The Comstock Act of 1873 was the brainchild of Anthony Comstock, a zealous and devout New England Congregationalist. Comstock believed that the United States was plagued by a moral crisis, and that the spread of obscene and immoral materials was a major contributing factor.
A Sweeping Prohibition
The Comstock Act made it illegal to send obscene, lewd, lascivious, immoral, or indecent materials through the mail. This included not only books and pamphlets, but also pictures, circulars, and even advertisements. The law also made it a crime to sell or distribute these materials in any way, including by interstate commerce.
Impact on Contraception and Abortion
The Comstock Act had a profound impact on the availability of contraception and abortion in the United States. The law banned the sale and distribution of any materials that could be used to prevent pregnancy or induce an abortion. This made it extremely difficult for women to obtain these essential services.
A Legacy of Censorship
The Comstock Act was a sweeping attack on freedom of speech and expression. It allowed the government to censor any materials that it deemed to be obscene or immoral. This law was used to suppress a wide range of materials, including books, movies, and plays. It also had a chilling effect on free speech, as people were afraid to express their opinions for fear of being prosecuted. The Comstock Act was finally repealed in 1973, but its legacy of censorship continues to this day. The law helped to create a climate of fear and intolerance in the United States, and it made it difficult for people to access information about important issues such as sexuality and reproductive health.
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