172 posts
Latest Posts by jfoejfpsjeo - Page 6
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Some proof that there ARE elected officials out there, like Vice Mayor Sean Cummings in Oklahoma, who are standing up for LGBTQ+ youth like Nex Benedict and calling out the fact that our words and rhetoric DO matter.
[Context: In this video, Sean Cummings is seen speaking to Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters referring to the death of student Nex Benedict].
Clips from the Oklahoma House floor concerning anti-trans legislation, original linked in source
Edit: I see this post is popping off again, thank you for sharing! Reminder to our youth watching this video (operationally defined as those 14-25), @bfpnola is an international, Black-, queer-, woman-, and youth-run organization. We’d love to have some new volunteers, especially from Oklahoma in particular because we don’t have any! If you’d just like to meet everyone first, this is our Discord Server. Why not start there and then you can decide? 🫂
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Some proof that there ARE elected officials out there, like Vice Mayor Sean Cummings in Oklahoma, who are standing up for LGBTQ+ youth like Nex Benedict and calling out the fact that our words and rhetoric DO matter.
[Context: In this video, Sean Cummings is seen speaking to Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters referring to the death of student Nex Benedict].
Clips from the Oklahoma House floor concerning anti-trans legislation, original linked in source
Edit: I see this post is popping off again, thank you for sharing! Reminder to our youth watching this video (operationally defined as those 14-25), @bfpnola is an international, Black-, queer-, woman-, and youth-run organization. We’d love to have some new volunteers, especially from Oklahoma in particular because we don’t have any! If you’d just like to meet everyone first, this is our Discord Server. Why not start there and then you can decide? 🫂
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
i am once again asking you to support and donate to freedom oaklahoma, a native-based organization for trans and gay rights in the same state nex benedict was murdered.
A heads up to anyone living in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Senator Dusty Deevers is set to introduce a law to the Oklahoma State Senate, SB 593, which will not only increase punishment for possession of CSAM (Child Sexual Exploitation Material), but outlaw and criminalize ALL forms of pornography and it's creation, distribution, and possession. Whether it be written, auditory, or visual.
This bill is not only a massive breach of First Amendment rights of adults to access things, but also a danger to any adults who wish to access these problems. As Senator Deevers has especially cited that any educators or librarians who look at such should be classified as sex offenders.
This comes with a slew of other bills which Senator Deevers claims are to help "restore moral sanity in Oklahoma".
SB 456: The Abolition of Abortion Act - Outlaws the use of self administered abortion medication and effectively “declares that life begins at conception and ensures that no person may lawfully terminate the life of a child in the womb."
SB 550: Classifies Drag Queen Story Hour as a cabaret performance to effectively ban the nonsexual presentation of drag queens near children.
SB 228: The Covenant Marriage Act - Offers a $2,500 tax credit to Oklahoma couples who consent to a "covenant marriage" in which they waive any right to divorce except under "cases of abuse, adultery, or abandonment".
SB 829: Ends Oklahoma no fault divorce by removing "incompatability" as a reason for divorce. If signed into law it would only allow divorces in the event of "abandonment, gross neglect, extreme cruelty, habitual drunkenness, insanity for a period of five years, adultery, unknown pregnancy and fraudulent contract."
SB 329: The Promote Child Thriving Act - Creates a $500 child tax credit contingent upon it being filed for by a mother and father filing jointly (exclusion of single parents and gay couples). And increases that to $1000 for children born after the marriage of the parents, which can exclude those in non traditional familial groups and children born from wedlock.
All of these bills echo heavily the Project 2025 playbook and should be fought against swiftly and firmly. As if they show they can be passed here, these ideas could spread to other states as well.
Call your reps, spread the word. And do not let the ideals of a christo-authoritarian take control over the state of Oklahoma without a fight.
You can find your Oklahoma State Reps using this site here
The Fight for Romance: How Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 593 Threatens the Books We Love
Romance readers, writers, publishers, and booksellers—we are facing a threat unlike anything we’ve seen before. Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 593 isn’t just a bill about obscenity laws—it’s a dangerous step toward widespread censorship that could strip us of the stories we love, the stories that have shaped lives, brought people together, and given voice to diverse experiences of love and passion.
If passed, this bill will go into effect on November 1, 2025, and it’s not just Oklahoma that should be worried. This bill could be a test run for a larger, national movement to silence the romance genre and restrict creative freedom across the United States. Here’s what you need to know, why it matters, and how you can fight back—whether you’re in Oklahoma or beyond.
What Is Senate Bill 593?
Senate Bill 593 broadens the definition of “obscenity” and “unlawful pornography,” allowing private citizens to sue anyone who produces or distributes materials they believe to be obscene. Yes, that’s right. They’re putting bounties on those who write, publish, and distribute romance using vague language and offering rewards to those turning them in. This would also obviously include fanfiction.
What’s considered obscene under this bill? Any content that:
Appeals to “prurient” sexual interests,
Is “patently offensive” in its depiction of sexually explicit conduct,
And lacks “serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value.”
While that might sound like it’s aimed at the worst of the worst, the vague language leaves the door wide open for romance novels with explicit content to be targeted—especially those that include steamy scenes, LGBTQ+ relationships, or anything that challenges conservative ideas of “acceptable” love stories.
Under this bill, authors, publishers, and even bookstores could face lawsuits from anyone who decides a book crosses the line. If a lawsuit is successful, the penalties are staggering:
At least $10,000 per image or depiction deemed “unlawful,”
Up to 10 years in prison for possession or distribution of these materials,
Fines up to $500,000 for organized distribution.
The bill doesn’t stop there—even those who “aid or abet” the production or distribution of such material can be sued. This means publishers, editors, librarians, and even booksellers could be targeted.
How Will This Impact Romance Novels?
Romance novels are beloved for their ability to explore the full spectrum of human emotion, including sexual desire and intimacy. But if SB 593 passes, books that feature explicit scenes—no matter how integral to character development or plot—could be labeled obscene.
Authors will self-censor to avoid legal trouble, watering down their stories and avoiding complex, realistic portrayals of relationships.
Publishers might refuse to publish books with explicit content, fearful of lawsuits.
Booksellers and Libraries could pull romance novels from their shelves to avoid risk.
Readers will lose access to diverse, passionate stories that reflect real life.
This isn’t just about steamy scenes. Books that feature LGBTQ+ relationships or address issues like trauma, abuse, and recovery could also be targeted, under the guise of “protecting community standards.” The result? A chilling effect that stifles creativity and silences marginalized voices.
What Happens If This Goes National?
Oklahoma could be just the beginning. If SB 593 passes and survives legal challenges, other states might adopt similar legislation. We’re looking at a future where:
Romance authors across the country will fear legal action, leading to a decline in the genre’s vibrancy.
Publishers and digital platforms like Amazon could impose stricter content guidelines, making it harder for indie authors to thrive.
Readers nationwide will find fewer options and less diversity in the romance section.
This is about more than just romance novels—it’s about free speech and the right to read and write stories that reflect the full range of human experience. Once we allow vague, subjective laws like this to pass, there’s no telling where the censorship will end.
The Bigger Picture: Free Speech Under Threat
At its core, SB 593 is a threat to free speech. The First Amendment protects our right to express ourselves, even if that expression makes some people uncomfortable. By allowing private citizens to sue over subjective definitions of “obscenity,” this bill opens the floodgates for widespread book bans and censorship.
Once romance novels are targeted, it won’t stop there. Books that explore racial issues, political dissent, or any topic that challenges the status quo could be next. This isn’t just about protecting spicy scenes in your favorite novels—it’s about protecting the right to tell stories that matter.
What Can Romance Fans in Oklahoma Do?
If you’re in Oklahoma, your voice matters right now. Here’s how you can fight back:
Contact Your State Legislators: Find out who represents you in the Oklahoma Senate and House. Call, email, or write letters expressing your opposition to SB 593. Be clear, passionate, and explain how this bill threatens creative freedom.
Support Local Bookstores and Libraries: Let them know you stand with them against censorship. Attend events, buy books, and show that you value access to diverse stories.
Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) and PEN America fight against book bans and censorship. Get involved, donate, or volunteer.
Spread the Word: Talk to your friends, family, and social networks about this bill. Use hashtags like #StopSB593 and #ProtectRomance to raise awareness.
What Can Romance Fans Outside of Oklahoma Do?
Even if you’re not in Oklahoma, this fight affects you too. Here’s how you can help:
Raise Awareness Nationwide: Share articles, social media posts, and videos about SB 593. The more people know about this bill, the harder it will be to pass similar legislation elsewhere.
Support Oklahoma Authors and Bookstores: Buy books from Oklahoma-based romance authors and indie bookstores. Show solidarity by keeping their voices heard.
Get Involved with National Advocacy Groups: Support organizations fighting for free speech, like American Library Association (ALA), PEN America, and National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC).
Stay Vigilant in Your Own State: Watch for similar bills in your state legislature. If you see something, speak up immediately to prevent it from gaining traction.
The Time to Act Is Now
Romance novels and fanfiction are more than just entertainment—they’re a celebration of love in all its forms. They’re a refuge for readers, a creative outlet for writers, and a thriving industry that brings people together.
Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 593 threatens all of that. If we don’t fight back, we risk losing not just the stories we love but the freedom to tell them. Whether you’re an author, a reader, a publisher, or a bookseller, this is your call to action.
The battle for our books starts now. Let’s make sure our voices are louder than the ones trying to silence us.
Link to original article: https://www.theromancestudio.com/the-fight-for-romance-how-oklahomas-senate-bill-593-threatens-the-books-we-love/
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)
Oklahoma is attempting to pass a bill that would ban explicit romance novels. Authors, narrators, and sellers could all face fines of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in jail for each instance.
If you live in OK, call your representative and tell them this bill should not be allowed to pass.
This is likely a test case. Republicans will try to pass it in OK and if it passes other states will likely try to pass similar laws.
In the meantime, get physical copies of books you like. Download those pdfs. Archive your AO3 stories and keep them on a physical hard drive. (Storing those files in the cloud could be problematic in the future as the company managing the cloud service can see what your files are)