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Support Efforts to Ban Pornography
Southern Baptists affirm God’s good and intentional design for human sexuality within the confines of covenant marriage between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:4-6). As the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 makes clear “It is God’s unique gift…to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards” (XVIII). We further “oppose…all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography” (Article XV). Scripture instructs believers to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18-20; 1 Thess.4:3-5) and guard both mind and body (Job 31:1; Rom. 12:1-2).
For decades, the Southern Baptist Convention has opposed the pornography industry in all its forms, recognizing its destructive effects on families and children as well as its abhorrent connections to human trafficking. In 2025, Southern Baptists passed a resolution urging “the United States Congress and state legislatures…to provide rigorous enforcement mechanisms—including age-verification and civil liability—in the ultimate effort to eradicate pornography nationwide.”
Pornography is not only a violation of God’s design for sexuality, but also objectifies those it depicts, many of whom are coerced, trafficked, or economically exploited, thereby dishonoring those made in the image of God. The impacts of habitual pornography consumption, particularly for young children who are discovering this harmful content online at early ages, are horrific. Addiction, disrupted physiological functioning, depression, anxiety, and escalating sexual perversions are often the consequences of the evils of pornography. Additionally, we know that pornography dishonors God’s design for sexual intimacy between a husband and wife, promotes lust, and tempts people to sin.
With many children gaining unsupervised access to the internet at younger and younger ages, there has been an explosion in awareness of the harms this is bringing to many children. New data has demonstrated the detrimental effects on mental health, learning, and self-image that have come as a result from unhindered access for minors. Current laws allow much of this to happen without the knowledge or consent of parents.
Currently, pornography is considered protected speech under the First Amendment with exceptions for obscenity and child pornography. However, at its core, pornography is obscene, as it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value and appeals to prurient interest. It is important that governments at every level use existing obscenity laws and community ordinances to stamp out this insidious material.
The ERLC calls on Congress and state legislatures to enact comprehensive laws to not only protect children from the harms of pornography, but ultimately to eradicate pornography entirely. We support taking steps toward banning pornography in its entirety, recognizing that it should not be considered acceptable, protected speech.
SBC Actions
Southern Baptists spoke to the protection of children from various forms of media at the 2025 annual meeting through the resolution “On Banning Pornography,” at the 2024 annual meeting through the resolution “On the God-Given Rights and Responsibilities of Parents,” and at the 2005 annual meeting in the resolution “On Educating Children.”
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