South Dakota enacts pornography age verification law

South Dakota has taken bipartisan action to prevent minors from accessing pornographic websites.

Gov. Larry Rhoden recently signed HB 1053 into law, which requires internet users to prove they are at least 18 years old to visit pornographic websites.

“As parents, we just want to protect our kids. But technology moves so fast that it often seems impossible,” Rhoden, a Republican, said in a press release. “I signed a bill to require age verification by websites containing material that is harmful to minors. I will continue to find ways to keep South Dakota safe for our kids.”

The measure, led by Rep. Bethany Soye, R-Sioux Falls, passed with bipartisan support in both chambers, including all four Senate Democrats joining Republicans for a unanimous vote.

“After two years of hard work, I am proud to see South Dakota pass the strongest law in the nation to protect children from the predatory pornography industry,” Soye told the Washington Examiner.

The state American Civil Liberties Union strongly opposed the bill, arguing it infringes on adults’ privacy.

“Though South Dakota legislators claim House Bill 1053 is about protecting minors, this bill does not merely restrict minors’ access. In requiring adults to identify themselves online, the bill burdens their ability to exercise their First Amendment rights to see sexual content or any other material on a regulated site,” it said in a statement. 

The Coyote State became the 20th state to enact a porn age verification law. 

Age verification laws have been filed in other states with Republican-controlled legislatures, including Arizona, Iowa and Missouri, among others. 

Like South Dakota, the effort in Missouri has bipartisan support.