Good Vibrations Magazine

One of my reps just told me about this lawsuit and it serves as a reminder that the right to access pleasure products, book and DVDs is not actually a right… it is something that is constantly under attack and people in our industry and beyond are constantly having to fight for… read on.

Here’s the information from Publisher’s Weekly:

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) has blasted a new Indiana law that requires bookstores to register with the government if they sell what is considered “sexually explicit materials.” The new law, H.B. 1042, was signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on March 13, and calls for any bookseller that sells sexually explicit materials to register with the Secretary of State and provide a statement detailing the types of books to be sold. The Secretary of State must then identify those stores to local government officials and zoning boards. “Sexually explicit material” is defined as any product that is “harmful to minors” under existing law. There is a $250 registration fee. Failure to register is a misdemeanor.

ABFFE spokesman Chris Finan said the law is the only one of its kind currently on the books in the country. Calling it “clearly unconstitutional,” Finan said ABFFE will urge the Media Coalition to challenge the law at the organization’s next meeting on April 9. H.B. 1042 does not go into effect until July, by which time Finan is hopeful the lawsuit will be filed and an injunction issued by the court.

Free Speech is not guaranteed and the more we sit by and allow laws like this to go through the less rights we are going to have. It’s frustrating to see other states following suit as well – especially Oregon, where I used to live.

Mike Powell of Powell’s books, is one of the booksellers fighting a similar Oregon law. Powell changed the face of bookstores in Oregon (and runs one of the most successful online book stores) opening a store that spans an entire city block with multiple floors and has opened 5 or 6 other stores around the city. It’s good to know that he is also willing to stand up for Free Speech and be vocal about all of our rights to sell books with adult content.

Good Vibrations has sold books of a sexual nature since the day we opened our doors. One of the reasons our founder decided to start her own business is she was having a difficult time finding any store that would stock the books she’d written that dealt with sex and sexuality. That was over 31 years ago and we still have to fight this same fight.

It’s important for people to have access to books that not only teach but help individuals and couples learn to communicate and how to have great sex. I’ll always remember the first time I heard that sexual pleasure was our birthright – and I believe it to the core. But we don’t grow up having real sex education beyond condom use (if you’re lucky enough to get that). How to give good head or what positions can assist in stimulating the G-Spot, how to safely enjoy anal sex or become orgasmic – these books are really important to our sexual enjoyment and long-term exploration. And where else can you get your hands on good smut – graphic novels, erotic compilations etc… I’m thrilled to be able to offer the amount of books that GV stocks and hope to expand what we offer.

Free Speech is important. If you live in one of the states where bookstores are under attack I urge you to stand up for your right to learn about sex and sexuality – and your right to read and enjoy books about sex, sexuality and smut!