In a surprising move, a new bill passed by lawmakers in Texas could soon make it a criminal offense to own or even look at certain manga series. This legislation, which received unanimous support from Republican senators in the state, targets a broad array of popular Japanese mangas, including well-known titles such as Goblin Slayer and Fruits Basket.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 20 and sponsored by Senator Pete Flores, introduces a new state offense targeting the possession or promotion of any “obscene material” that portrays characters younger than 18 years old. This encompasses illustrations or animations, and extends to images crafted via artificial intelligence or other digital means.
One of the most contentious aspects of this bill is its severe penalties. It labels violations as a state jail felony, potentially imposing a minimum five-year prison sentence on first-time offenders who merely possess or view such content.
If signed into law, this legislation could ban a significant number of manga titles in Texas. Goblin Slayer, for instance, has been highlighted due to its early episodes containing explicit scenes. Even less controversial series like Fruits Basket might fall under scrutiny, depending on how broadly legal authorities interpret “sexual acts” depicted in the content. Children’s mangas such as Pokémon and Sailor Moon appear to be exempt under a strict interpretation of this law.
This move by Texas legislators is the latest chapter in an ongoing cultural debate over anime and manga, genres that have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. Organizations like Moms For Liberty, which previously focused on removing LGBTQ-themed books from libraries, have shifted attention to anime, decrying works like Unico and Assassination Classroom as inappropriate.
Furthermore, influential commentators from platforms like The Daily Wire have been vocal in their criticism of anime, dismissing the entire genre as harmful and appealing only to a narrow audience.
As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, there is potential for legal challenges, with the possibility of it being reviewed by higher courts. The outcome could have significant implications for both fans and creators of manga and anime across Texas and potentially beyond. As the situation unfolds, eyes will be on how this issue navigates the judicial landscape.
