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A Democratic Mississippi state senator introduced a “Contraception Begins at Erection Act” that could make it illegal for men to masturbate or engage in any sexual activity without the “intent to fertilize an embryo.”
Sen. Bradford Blackmon, 36, introduced the bill he admitted “caused an uproar” Monday, which would outlaw men from discharging “genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo,” according to the filing.
“When a bill has been filed that would regulate what a man is able to do with his own body in his own home, it suddenly has people in an uproar,” he said in a statement, that added he made the proposal to highlight the “double standards in legislation.”
“I am trying to figure out when it isn’t OK for the government to dictate what you do in the privacy of your own home, apparently it is when the laws regulate men.”
The bill would even impose hefty fines — $1,000 for first offenses, $5,000 for a second and $10,000 for subsequent infractions. There are, however, exceptions for sperm donation and using contraception to prevent fertilization, the bill states.
Although the bill stands little chance in the GOP-controlled state legislature, 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.
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Republican-led states have pushed hard to restrict abortion and contraception access.
Currently, the state of Mississippi bans abortion unless the life of the mother is at risk or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest that has been reported to law enforcement, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Blackmon, a first-term senator representing the 21st District north of Jackson, told WLBT3 the bill is meant to shine light on men’s role in reproductive health instead of only putting responsibility on women.
“All across the country, especially here in Mississippi, the vast majority of bills relating to contraception and/or abortion focus on the woman’s role when men are 50% of the equation,” he told the outlet.
“This bill highlights that fact and brings the man’s role into the conversation. People can get up in arms and call it absurd but I can’t say that bothers me.”
While many on the left applauded the stunt, it left others befuddled.
“… somehow this is an actual piece of legislation that was introduced. it was done to make a statement, but I’m still baffled,” an X user wrote.
“Wow. Just wow. Just when I thought I’d read some dumb stuff, you come along and say “hold my beer and watch this,” another blasted on Instagram.
One Truth Social user had a very blunt take.
“This idiot should be thrown out of office for wasting time and Taxpayer’s money. Another Buffoon angling for attention,” they lamented.