FSC: Attorneys in Kansas Seeking Plaintiffs to Sue Adult Firms

LOS ANGELES—The Free Speech Coalition has advised adult entertainment industry stakeholders to be aware of a campaign by attorneys in Kansas seeking plaintiffs to sue adult companies under the state's age verification law. The advisory follows: A personal injury law firm is actively courting potential plaintiffs in Kansas, using the state’s age-verification law to dangle the prospect of large financial judgments from adult companies. The firm identified by FSC is openly employing church networks to reach potential plaintiffs. In Kansas, simple access of an adult website by a minor may be enough to bring a civil case with statutory damages—no proof of actual harm is required. Under the law, claims for statutory damages begin at $50,000. The state’s attorney general is separately empowered to bring litigation.  “While these cynical efforts are not entirely surprising, it's a reminder of the ongoing threat of civil litigation,” says Alison Boden, Executive Director of Free Speech Coalition. “These bounty hunter laws can be employed for profit. We will continue to monitor threats while challenging these unconstitutional mandates in court. We ask anyone who becomes the target of a lawsuit to contact us immediately as we have legal resources available.” For more information, visit www.freespeechcoalition.com.