A Democratic Mississippi state senator sparks controversy with a bill that could criminalize masturbation and casual sex
A Democratic Mississippi state senator, Bradford Blackmon, has stirred up a storm with his introduction of the "Contraception Begins at Erection Act." This bill proposes making it illegal for men to masturbate or engage in any sexual activity without the "intent to fertilize an embryo." The proposed legislation would outlaw men from releasing "genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo," as outlined in the bill.
Senator Blackmon, aged 36, acknowledged that the bill has caused quite an uproar since its introduction. He explained that the purpose behind the bill is to shed light on the double standards prevalent in legislation. In a statement, he expressed his bewilderment at the public's reaction when laws are proposed to regulate men's actions in the privacy of their homes, highlighting the inconsistency in governmental interference based on gender.
The bill, if passed, would carry significant penalties, with fines starting at $1,000 for first-time offenders, escalating to $5,000 for a second offense, and reaching $10,000 for subsequent violations. However, the bill does include exceptions for sperm donation and the use of contraception to prevent fertilization.
Despite facing slim chances of approval in the GOP-controlled state legislature, if the bill manages to pass and receives the signature of Republican Governor Tate Reeves, it could potentially become law as early as July.
Following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, Republican-led states have intensified efforts to restrict abortion and contraception access. Currently, Mississippi permits abortion only in cases where the mother's life is at risk or in instances of reported rape or incest, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Senator Blackmon, serving his first term and representing the 21st District north of Jackson, emphasized that the bill aims to shift the focus onto men's role in reproductive health, rather than solely attributing responsibility to women.
He highlighted the imbalance in current legislation, stating that the majority of bills related to contraception and abortion predominantly concentrate on women's responsibilities, neglecting the equal role men play in the reproductive process. By introducing this bill, Blackmon intends to spark a conversation that includes men's perspectives on reproductive health.
While the bill received praise from some quarters on the left for its bold statement, it also left many bewildered. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions, ranging from disbelief to outrage.
One user expressed astonishment, stating, "Somehow this is an actual piece of legislation that was introduced. It was done to make a statement, but I'm still baffled." Another user on Instagram reacted with disbelief, exclaiming, "Wow. Just wow. Just when I thought I’d read some dumb stuff, you come along and say 'hold my beer and watch this'."
Amidst the mixed reactions, a user on Truth Social took a critical stance, condemning the senator's actions as a waste of time and taxpayer money. They labeled Blackmon as an attention-seeking individual, criticizing the bill as a frivolous endeavor.
