Arizona state Senate votes to declare porn a public health crisis

The Arizona state Senate on Monday passed a resolution declaring pornography a public health crisis.

The measure, which was first introduced by state Rep. Michelle Udall (R), calls on lawmakers to condemn pornography’s ills and declare it a public health crisis.

The Senate passed the legislation in a 16-13 vote, according to ABC News.

Lawmakers are expected to take no further action in regards to the bill, which states that “pornography perpetuates a sexually toxic environment that damages all areas of our society,” and says that “potential detrimental effects on pornography users include toxic sexual behaviors, emotional, mental and medical illnesses and difficulty forming or maintaining intimate relationships.”

The bill adds that advances in technology are causing children to be exposed to pornography at an “alarming rate, leading to low self-esteem, eating disorders and an increase in problematic sexual activity at ever-younger ages.”

Udall likened porn’s effects on society to tobacco when she introduced the resolution earlier this year, saying that it is used “pervasively” among adults and minors. 

The Arizona House passed the resolution with 32 votes in favor and 28 votes against in February. 

State Sen. Sylvia Allen (R) told The Arizona Republic that the resolution would have an impact “because it’s the first time we’re making a statement … about the epidemic of pornography.” 

But some Democrats voiced opposition to the effort surrounding this issue. State Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai (D) said that lawmakers should be focusing on issues such as the measles outbreak. 

“I think we really need to focus on those types of things that are life-threatening and fatal, and could spread so quickly to anybody,” she said.