EPISODE · Aug 12, 2025 · 1H 43M
History of Obscenity & Literary Censorship
from Reformed Rakes · host Reformed Rakes
Emma uses her lawyer powers to teach Chels and Beth about the history of obscenity law in the United States. The impetus for this episode came about because sometimes well-meaning people misapply these laws or standards to current book banning resistance. Emma shows us how "but what about the children" has been there from the very beginning. How people in the past have talked about sex in books is Very Familiar unfortunately. (Even in current bookish spaces!) And, most importantly, how often suppressing sex in books is really hiding political motivations.Support us on our Patreon!Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.comFollow us on social media:Twitter: @reformedrakesInstagram: @reformedrakesBluesky: @reformedrakesBeth’s SubstackChels’ SubstackEmma’s SubstackThank you for listening!
What this episode covers
Emma uses her lawyer powers to teach Chels and Beth about the history of obscenity law in the United States. The impetus for this episode came about because sometimes well-meaning people misapply these laws or standards to current book banning resistance. Emma shows us how "but what about the children" has been there from the very beginning. How people in the past have talked about sex in books is Very Familiar unfortunately. (Even in current bookish spaces!) And, most importantly, how often suppressing sex in books is really hiding political motivations.
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History of Obscenity & Literary Censorship
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