I've been on high alert over obscenity laws and related legislation that could affect the queer community (and the fanfic community, of which I'm very much a part). Awareness leads to action. I refuse to keep my eyes shut.
Oklahoma Bill SB 593 is trying to define pornography in such a way that it could include (through what appears to be intentionally vague language) open-door romance scenes, making the production/distribution of those materials a felony. And that obviously could include explicit fanfic in addition to romance novels, TV series, films, and more.
While much of the bill uses the term "image," they also say "any depiction," which in theory opens the door for writing and other mediums. That vague language is not a bug; that is a feature. Read the description here of what this bill would classify as pornography.
"Defines [...] to include any depiction that shows sexual intercourse [...] normal or perverted."
And the first example they list (no surprise here) is a sex act that is common in the queer community as well as het couples. It's followed by an act meant to shock, but they follow it up with more very normal sexual acts. But as they stated, "normal OR perverted" would be considered unlawful under this bill. All of this is bundled with an increased penalty for creating/distributing CSAM, but it's not just increasing penalties for those materials. This bill is far-reaching, puritanical, and dangerous, and it would give them the ability to classify any materials they deem obscene to be pornography. I have no doubt they would bend definitions to disproportionately punish some communities over others.
THIS BILL HAS NOT PASSED.
This bill has not passed yet. It has been introduced, but it has not passed yet. Do not comply in advance and take anything down. But be aware that bills like this have been the plan of Project 2025 from the get-go, and if your state introduces anything like this, you NEED to take action. You need to make calls, organize, and DO SOMETHING.
Do not sit with your head in the sand. Keep alert. I'm not in Oklahoma, but Texas often follows Oklahoma in measures like this, and I will not be silent in the event they try to pull shit like this in my state. This is why I remain aware.
If you're in Oklahoma, MAKE SOME DAMN CALLS PLEASE!