bettie page blog

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY put the spotlight on a new law in Indiana that could have a chilling effect on literary expression of erotica or sensuality of any kind.

If you're reading this blog, chances are you have an appreciation for "cheesecake", at the very least, and are able to understand that a book with some photos of Bettie (or paintings by Olivia, Jim Silke, etc.), don't belong ghettoized in "adult" bookstores. Well, in Indiana, to buy LET THEM EAT CHEESECAKE: THE ART OF OLIVIA at a Barnes and Noble, the bookstore will need to register with the state government!

Alison Morris, blogger on PW, explains:

One of the big topics in the bookselling world recently has been the news that the state of Indiana has put a new law on the books that will require any businesses that sell "sexually explicit material" to register with the state government. To quote from PW's article on this subject, "'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."

Indiana booksellers...are concerned that the state's vague definitions of "sexually explicit material" could get them into trouble for selling books on health and human sexuality, many titles considered classic literature, and who-knows-how-many young adult novels.

...How many art books can you think of that DON'T contain nudity? Or, to play the opposite end of the age spectrum, how many potty training books avoid images of naked toddlers?

...The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression has condemed the law on grounds that it is a violation of Indiana booksellers' (and customers') First Amendment rights and therefore unconstitutional. They are considering filing a legal challenge to the law.

MORE...

The Bettie Page Blog would appreciate a "scene report" from Indiana. We'll help raise hell any way we can.