In a decisive and morally driven move, Brent Leatherwood, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), has called for the complete abolition of the pornography industry. This bold stance aligns with the values that many Christian conservatives hold dear—protecting the sanctity of family, upholding moral integrity, and safeguarding the vulnerable, particularly women and children.

Leatherwood’s call to action follows a disturbing report that unveiled Pornhub’s alleged involvement in profiting from exploitative content, including videos of children subjected to nonconsensual acts. This revelation serves as “irrefutable evidence,” according to Leatherwood, that the pornography industry is not only “immoral” but “predatory, lawless, and deeply dependent on abuse.”

“Pornography isn’t merely immoral,” Leatherwood emphasized. “It’s exploitative. It’s violent. It’s corrosive to relationships, harmful to children, and toxic to a culture that claims to value consent, freedom, and human dignity.”

In a society where freedoms are cherished, Leatherwood argues that these freedoms must be guarded by moral boundaries. He outlines several reform measures aimed at the “complete dismantling of the pornography industry,” including the implementation of stringent age-verification laws and the criminalization of hosting or monetizing nonconsensual, trafficked, or abusive material. Moreover, he suggests classifying commercial pornography as a public health threat, a move that would underscore the industry’s detrimental impact on society.

While acknowledging that the “political will to abolish pornography outright likely doesn’t yet exist,” Leatherwood highlights a promising legislative effort led by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. The proposed Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) seeks to modernize the definition of obscenity under the Communications Act of 1934, adapting it for the internet age. This bill would expand the definition of obscene content to include material that lacks literary, artistic, political, or scientific value and is intended to arouse or gratify sexual desires.

“This isn’t about nostalgia for a bygone era or imposing religious rules on secular society,” Leatherwood stated. “This is about whether we’ll defend the vulnerable, preserve the dignity of the human person, and build a culture worthy of our children.”

Leatherwood’s stance is not an isolated one. The Southern Baptist Convention has consistently spoken out against pornography, passing a resolution in 2015 titled “On Pornography and Sexual Purity.” This resolution called on government authorities to enact and enforce laws that restrict all forms of pornography, especially those exploiting minors.

The ERLC, under Leatherwood’s leadership, continues to uphold its commitment to religious liberty and traditional values. A letter signed by ten former SBC presidents praised the ERLC for its steadfast defense of Southern Baptist principles, particularly in its opposition to Roe v. Wade, transgender ideology, and pornography, while promoting life, marriage, and family values.

“For decades, the ERLC has steadfastly defended our Southern Baptist commitment to religious liberty. They forged a path forward fighting abortion, helping pave the way to see Roe v. Wade overturned and now Planned Parenthood defunded. They are continuing to battle transgender ideology and pornography and to promote biblical values regarding marriage, family, and sexuality. All Southern Baptists owe a debt of gratitude to the historical work of the ERLC.”

In a world where moral clarity is often blurred, Leatherwood’s call to ban pornography is a rallying cry for those who believe in the power of faith, family, and freedom to shape a society grounded in biblical principles. It’s a reminder that true freedom is found not in the absence of restraint but in the presence of righteousness.

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