Legal Definitions - comstockery

Comstockery refers to the practice of censoring or attempting to censor artistic or literary works based on claims that they are immoral or obscene. This term is derived from Anthony Comstock, a 19th-century anti-vice crusader known for his zealous efforts to suppress materials he deemed indecent.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: School Library Book Removal

  A local parent group petitions a school board to remove a critically acclaimed young adult novel from the school library shelves. They argue the book contains "inappropriate language" and "sexually suggestive themes" that are harmful to minors, despite the book's exploration of important social issues and its literary merit.

  This illustrates comstockery because it is an attempt to censor literature (the novel) based on subjective claims of immorality ("inappropriate language," "sexually suggestive themes") rather than its artistic or educational value.

• Example 2: Public Art Exhibition Controversy

  A city council receives numerous complaints about a new sculpture display in a public park. The sculptures, which are abstract but include some human forms, are labeled "indecent" and "morally corrupting" by a vocal segment of the community, leading to calls for their immediate removal from public view.

  This is an instance of comstockery because it involves an effort to censor art (the sculptures) under the guise of them being immoral or obscene, despite their artistic expression and public display.

• Example 3: Online Content Restrictions

  A national advocacy group launches a campaign against a popular streaming service, demanding the removal of several independent films and documentaries. The group asserts these films promote "degenerate lifestyles" and contain "explicit content" that violates community standards, even though they are artistic works exploring diverse human experiences and are rated for mature audiences.

  This demonstrates comstockery as it represents an organized attempt to censor artistic works (films and documentaries) available through a digital platform, based on the argument that their content is immoral or obscene.