Koji Kabuto
Anime and manga fans in Texas are concerned about a new law that could potentially impact their beloved art forms. The law, known as House Bill 1547, was signed by Governor Greg Abbott earlier this year and is set to take effect on September 1st.
The law aims to combat the sexual exploitation of children by banning the distribution of sexually explicit material involving minors. While this is a noble cause, many anime and manga fans worry that the broad language of the law could inadvertently criminalize the possession of certain anime and manga titles that feature teenage characters in sexual or suggestive situations.
This has sparked a debate within the anime and manga community in Texas, with some arguing that the law could lead to censorship and the restriction of artistic expression. Supporters of the law, on the other hand, believe that it is necessary to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
The concern is not unwarranted, as similar laws in other states have led to the seizure of anime and manga merchandise from retailers. Fans fear that their favorite series could be targeted next, leading to a chilling effect on the industry as a whole.
It remains to be seen how the new law will be enforced in Texas and whether it will indeed impact the anime and manga community in the state. In the meantime, fans are keeping a close eye on developments and hoping for a resolution that balances the need for child protection with the preservation of artistic freedom.
Source: marketplace.org
