A Democratic Mississippi senator has introduced a “starting birth control bill” that could make it illegal for men to masturbate or engage in sexual activity without “the intent to fertilize an embryo.”
Sen. Bradford Blackmon, 36, introduced a bill Monday that he acknowledged has “caused an uproar.”
“When a bill is introduced that regulates what a man can do with his body in his own home, it suddenly has people in an uproar.” he said in a statementhe made the suggestion to highlight “double standards in the law.”
“I'm trying to figure out when it's not okay for the government to dictate what you do in the privacy of your own home. That's apparently when the law regulates men.”
The bill could impose penalties of $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and even $10,000 for subsequent offenses. However, there are exceptions for sperm donation and using contraception to prevent fertilization, the bill states.
The bill stands little chance in the GOP-controlled state Legislature, but if it passes and is signed into law by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, it could go into effect as early as July, according to the filing. There is.
Roev in 2022. Since Wade was overturned, Republican-led states have pushed hard to restrict access to abortion and contraception.
Currently, Mississippi prohibits abortions unless the mother's lifespan is at risk or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest reported to law enforcement. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Blackmon, the youngest senator representing the 21st District north of Jackson; told WLBT3 The bill aims to highlight men's role in reproductive health, as well as hold women accountable.
“Across the country, and especially in Mississippi, the vast majority of bills related to contraception and/or abortion focus on the role of women when men are 50% of the equation,” he told the outlet.
“This bill highlights that fact and brings the role of men into the conversation. People can stand up in their arms and call it ridiculous, but I think it bothers me. I can't say that.
While many on the left praised the stunt, it baffled others.
“…somehow this is an actual law that was introduced. It was done to make a statement, but I'm still confused,” user X wrote.
“Oh. Just wow. Just when I thought I'd read some stupid stuff, you come along and say, 'Hold my beer and watch this,'” said another Instagram It exploded.
One True Social user had a very blunt take.
“This idiot should be kicked out of his workplace for wasting time and taxpayers' money. Another clown is getting attention,” they lamented.
