This week, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed HB 2586, which would have required that adult websites implement age verification in order to prevent minors from accessing pornographic content.

To date, 12 states have passed laws requiring age verification for online porn.

In response, Terry Schilling, president of American Principles Project (APP), released the following statement blasting Hobbs’ decision:

“Katie Hobbs’ veto represents a shameful, new low for a left-wing politician. Up until now, protecting kids from online porn had been a cause with nearly unanimous, bipartisan support. Polls have shown the vast majority of American voters, across the political spectrum, back these laws. Both Democrat and Republican governors in a dozen states from Louisiana to Utah to Virginia have signed this legislation. And many more are on track to join this list shortly.

“But instead of doing the right (and popular!) thing, Hobbs has instead chosen to side with the predatory porn industry and against Arizona families. Although she claims to be concerned about the First Amendment, our country’s history has shown that obscenity has never been understood as protected speech—especially when it comes to distributing such obscenity to minors. It is insulting to see a governor hide behind this excuse instead of acting to protect children from being exposed to depraved sexual content.

“Arizona parents deserve a governor who will stand up for them and their kids. Sadly, Katie Hobbs has now clearly shown she cares more about shielding exploitative pornographers than defending her state’s families. We will make sure voters remember this when election time comes.”

To schedule an engagement with American Principles Project, contact Paul Dupont at (o) 202-503-2010 or pdupont@americanprinciplesproject.org.