Supreme Court Upholds Texas Age Verification Law in Landmark Victory for Child Protection
- Citizens Defending Freedom Press Staff
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
AUSTIN — The United States Supreme Court delivered a resounding victory today for child protection and parental rights, upholding Texas House Bill 1181, which requires age verification for accessing pornographic websites. The decision represents a landmark constitutional affirmation that states have the authority to protect minors from harmful online content. Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF), through Remnant Law, filed a critical amicus brief supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, arguing that reasonable age verification requirements serve compelling government interests while respecting First Amendment protections.
"This is a watershed moment for child protection in America," said Tara Schulte, CDF Texas Executive Director. "The Supreme Court has affirmed what parents have known all along – that protecting children from harmful content isn't censorship, it's common sense."
The Free Speech Coalition, representing adult entertainment interests, challenged Texas HB 1181, claiming age verification requirements violated First Amendment protections. CDF’s amicus brief argued that states possess legitimate constitutional authority to regulate minor access to harmful content through narrowly tailored approaches serving compelling government interests.
The Supreme Court's decision will have far-reaching implications beyond Texas, providing legal framework for other states implementing similar child protection measures. Multiple states have enacted or are considering age verification laws, and today's ruling removes constitutional barriers.
"This confirms long-standing precedent that obscenity, especially which is harmful to minors, is not protected speech. In today's rapidly changing digital environment—where children access content through countless platforms and emerging technologies—this decision empowers parents and protects children from coast to coast," said Jonathan Hullihan of Remnant Law.
With constitutional questions resolved, CDF expects accelerated adoption of age verification laws across multiple states. The organization is looking forward to providing legal consultation to state legislators and Attorney Generals seeking similar protections.
"This is just the beginning," said Tara Schulte. "We have the constitutional roadmap, the Supreme Court's blessing, and the momentum. Children across America are going to be safer because of today's decision."
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in states across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.
