What Does Florida’s Ban on Pornography Mean for Christians

Growing up in the 1980s, accessing pornography wasn’t as simple as typing a few words into a search bar. Back then, it required effort, whether it meant sneaking a glance at a magazine in a store or stumbling upon material tucked away in a family member’s belongings. I vividly remember how, once you found it, it didn’t take long to learn where to look again. It was the classic scenario of one boy showing his friends his dad’s Playboy, complete with wide-eyed curiosity and giggling whispers.

Today, things couldn’t be more different. Instead of requiring physical effort to uncover pornography, it comes directly to you—on your phone, computer, or even social media feeds. Every child in a First World existence has nearly unlimited access to content that was once hidden behind counters or locked away in drawers. And while there are parental controls and filtering tools, these require significant effort on the part of parents, often turning into a losing battle against ever-evolving technology.

It’s against this backdrop that the State of Florida has introduced a new law to limit who can access pornography online. Florida is not alone—Louisiana and Texas have introduced similar measures, aiming to put barriers in place where there currently seem to be none.

Porn Goes Sneaky to Streamed

In the past, barriers to accessing pornography acted as deterrents, particularly for children. The simple fact that magazines were hidden away, required purchase, or were kept behind counters in adult-only sections created hurdles that weren’t always easy to bypass. Adult sections in video rental stores were intimidating, and even the magazines that were visible on store shelves were often wrapped in plastic or hidden behind covers, further limiting exposure. For many, this made pornography more elusive and less pervasive in everyday life.

Fast forward to today, and those barriers are virtually nonexistent. Children can access pornography with a few clicks on a smartphone or tablet—tools that have become everyday necessities. Algorithms on platforms like social media, or pop-up ads on unrelated sites, make it shockingly easy for minors to encounter explicit material even without actively seeking it out. Add to that the growing trend of streaming platforms pushing “near-pornographic” content under the guise of mature entertainment, and the problem becomes even more pervasive.

Florida’s new law is a direct response to this shift, aiming to reinstate barriers to entry for digital pornography. By requiring visitors to these sites to provide a valid form of state-issued identification, the state is attempting to bring accountability into a space that has long been unrestricted. But this is a much heavier lift than the traditional barriers to entry on video games or alcohol websites, which are typically no more than a single click confirming you’re over 18. Florida’s approach introduces a higher standard, one designed to actually make users pause before proceeding by requiring website owners to obtain age verification through a government issued ID.

Locking the Digital Door

While Florida’s new law aims to create barriers for accessing pornography, it also raises serious concerns about privacy and its overall effectiveness. By requiring visitors to provide state-issued identification, the law inherently creates a database of personal information linked to viewing habits. Critics argue that this could lead to significant privacy risks, including the possibility of hacking, misuse, or the leaking of personal identifiable information (PII). After all, in an age where data breaches have become commonplace—think of major companies like Equifax and even government institutions—who will safeguard this sensitive information, and for how long?

Additionally, Pornhub and other adult content platforms have raised alarms over how this law could impact their users. In Texas, where a similar law has been enacted, Pornhub released a public statement refusing to comply, claiming that the law infringes on privacy and creates a dangerous precedent for government overreach. This sentiment is echoed in lawsuits filed by coalitions of adult content providers, who argue that such measures are unconstitutional and unfairly target their industry.

Beyond privacy, many question whether the law will even be effective. Tech-savvy users already have tools at their disposal, such as VPNs, to bypass restrictions based on geolocation. These tools allow users to mask their location, making it appear as though they are accessing the internet from a state or country without such restrictions. Even more concerning, workarounds such as accessing pornography through unregulated platforms or private file-sharing networks remain viable options. If someone wants access badly enough, they’ll find a way to get it, just as people in the past found ways to sneak adult magazines into their homes.

Meanwhile, children—the group many claim this law is designed to protect—are perhaps the least likely to benefit from these restrictions. Though the law may slow a child’s access to certain websites, it does nothing to address the root issue: how pornography infiltrates everyday life through social media, streaming services, and even video games. Blocking access to explicit websites is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

Yet, the law also opens a conversation about responsibility. For Christians in particular, the tension lies in supporting measures that could reduce temptation while also weighing the potential risks and unintended consequences of these efforts. Does the law truly align with a Christian’s goal of living a pure and upright life, or does it open doors to concerns over privacy, misuse of power, or government overreach? As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue holiness, but we must also wrestle with the practical implications of how such laws impact society as a whole.

Christians and Porn Laws

For Christians, laws like Florida’s present a moral conundrum. On one hand, the idea of restricting access to pornography aligns with biblical teachings about purity and holiness. Scripture consistently warns against sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18; Matthew 5:28), and many Christians recognize the harm pornography causes not only to individuals but also to families, marriages, and society as a whole. From this perspective, any measure that limits access—especially for children—is a step in the right direction.

However, as with any law, the question remains: does this approach truly address the heart of the issue? The Bible makes it clear that sin stems from within us, not from external circumstances (James 1:14-15). While laws can act as deterrents, they cannot transform hearts or renew minds. True change comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, as believers submit their thoughts and desires to God (Romans 12:2). Relying solely on government intervention to combat sin risks placing too much faith in human systems rather than in God’s redemptive work.

There’s also the matter of Christian responsibility. Many believers struggle with pornography, often in silence, out of fear of shame or judgment. For these individuals, a law requiring identification to access such material could serve as a deterrent—or as a source of anxiety over being “found out.” In some cases, it may even push them toward secrecy and isolation rather than toward seeking help and accountability within their faith community.

On the flip side, laws like this can provide protections for vulnerable groups. Children, for example, are exposed to pornography at increasingly younger ages, often unintentionally. By setting up barriers to entry, the law attempts to create a safer digital environment—something Christians should celebrate. After all, Jesus himself warned against causing children to stumble (Matthew 18:6).

Ultimately, Christians must wrestle with the role of government in enforcing moral boundaries. While it’s tempting to support laws that align with biblical values, history reminds us that morality cannot be legislated into existence. Instead, we are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), modeling lives of integrity and inviting others to experience the freedom that comes through Christ.

What We Can Do

As we consider Florida’s new law and the wider issue of pornography, it’s important for Christians to respond with both wisdom and action. While public debate rages on about whether or not government intervention is the right solution, we can take concrete steps in our own lives that reflect God’s heart for purity, holiness, and truth. Here are some actionable steps you can take.

Get Help if You’re Struggling

First, if you’re struggling with pornography—whether it’s something you’ve been battling for years or something more recent—it’s crucial to address it head-on. You are not alone. In fact, accountability is key to overcoming temptation. Reach out to someone you trust: a close friend, your spouse, a pastor, or a Christian counselor who can provide support and prayer.

This is more than just confessing; it’s about bringing light to the darkness. As James 5:16 reminds us, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Overcoming pornography requires community, prayer, and active support. If you’re willing to admit the struggle, God will provide the grace to overcome. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.

Establish Digital Boundaries

Next, it’s important to take practical steps to limit your exposure to pornography. The Bible warns us in Matthew 5:29, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.” Now, obviously, this isn’t literal, but it’s a clear message to remove anything that leads us into temptation. In the digital age, we have the tools to do just that.

Consider using tools like website blockers or accountability software (Covenant Eyes, Accountable2You, or even just setting up parental controls). These tools send reports to a trusted accountability partner, ensuring that you don’t stumble in secret. This is a proactive step to guard your heart and mind from temptation. Remember, temptation can be avoided when we intentionally set boundaries before we even face it.

Advocate for What You Believe

For Christians who are passionate about the law, consider engaging with the political process. If you believe that Florida’s law (or similar laws) will help protect children and limit access to harmful material, it’s important to voice your opinion to lawmakers. Reach out to your elected representatives through emails, letters, or even phone calls. Your voice matters, and one letter can be the difference in helping legislators understand the weight of the issue.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are called to pray for those in authority: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Whether you agree with the law or not, advocating in a respectful, thoughtful way is part of being a good steward of our freedom to speak and influence.

Pray for Wisdom and Purity

Above all, prayer is essential. When we pray, we invite God’s strength and guidance into the process. Pray for yourself and others—especially those who are struggling with pornography. Ask God to give you wisdom and the strength to stay pure, not just externally, but in your thoughts and desires. Remember, God desires purity from the inside out (Psalm 51:10).

Pray for the lawmakers, that they would be guided by wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that affect everyone. Pray that they would consider the moral implications of the laws they pass. Most importantly, pray for protection over the hearts and minds of those who are vulnerable to the harmful effects of pornography.

Living Pure in a Digital Age

In the end, the issue of pornography is not just about laws or regulations—it’s about the heart. While government interventions, like Florida’s new law, may offer some protection, true change starts within each of us as Christians. Laws can’t legislate holiness, but they can help create boundaries that protect the vulnerable and allow us to reflect on our values as a society.

Ultimately, as believers, our battle against pornography is one of purity, discipline, and transformation. It’s a call to be set apart in a world that increasingly normalizes immorality. The way we respond to the temptation of pornography reflects our commitment to honor God with our lives—not just in external behaviors, but in our inner thoughts and desires.

Your personal holiness and purity matter. Every decision, every act of self-discipline, and every prayer is a step toward honoring God and making an impact in a world that desperately needs His truth.

Let us be those who, through God’s grace, model purity, honor, and holiness in all areas of our lives—for His glory and the good of those around us.

Listen to music inspired by this article:

Read more about what God says about this subject:

The Battle for Purity

Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Philippians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 2 Timothy 2:22

Protecting Children and Society

Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 18:6, Psalm 127:3, Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21

The Power of Temptation and Overcoming It

1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:14-15, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Galatians 5:16

Repentance and Transformation

Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19, Ezekiel 36:26

Personal Holiness and Accountability

Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 27:17, Galatians 6:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Matthew 18:15-17

God’s Design for Sexual Purity

Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:3, Song of Solomon 2:7

The Power of the Mind and Guarding Your Thoughts

Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:7-9, Colossians 3:2, 1 Peter 1:13

The Role of Accountability and Community

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, James 5:16, Galatians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 12:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

The Dangers of Lust and Sin

Matthew 5:29-30, 1 John 2:16, 2 Timothy 2:22, Mark 7:21-23, James 1:14-15

God’s Grace in the Face of Temptation

Romans 6:14, Titus 2:11-12, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Hebrews 4:16