Sex Toys Are Still Illegal in Many Countries, But Change is Coming… Fast

Even before the modern infiltration of the digi-tech age into our bedrooms, humans have been tickling and touching themselves and/or their partners with little gizmos that thrust, vibrate, stretch, tease, and tickle. Sex toy stores litter the web and still exist at brick-and-mortar locations around the world. And even though there are religious groups and political organizations that consistently damn their use (while the members of those groups and organizations regularly use cock rings, anal beads and various vibrators), we can’t seem to get enough of our powered-up playthings.

Nor should we, experts agree. Yet strong stigma against sex toys still exists worldwide, and in some countries, sex toys are still illegal.

The legality of sex toys around the world

As of the beginning of this year, sex toys are still illegal in a good number of countries, and even in some US states.

In Saudi Arabia, Islamic law greatly restricts sexual expression. That country's list of items that falls under the loosey-goosey term of “pornographic materials” includes revealing clothes, literature, and surely sex toys. In the UAE or the United Arab Emirates, there is a legal framework in place (again created via Islamic law) where travelers found in possession of sex toys can have the toys confiscated and even face legal action. In India, there's no specific law that bans sex toy sales. But there is a section of the country’s Penal Code that could be used to restrict their sale, display, import, and distribution.

So, traveling with sex toys in and out of India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia is ill-advised; best keep those rabbits home!

The Indian documentary Bad Toys Inc., which was just released across the country’s IN10 Media Network-owned platform, explores India’s ever-evolving attitudes towards adult pleasure products as well as India’s past relationship with adult toys, touching on legalities and the historical context of pleasure accessories in India. What makes the film especially interesting is the difference in attitudes over sex toy usage across the many regions of India, which vary widely.

Even in the United States, the legal question of sex toy sale/use is still determined on a state-by-state, cas-by-case basis. For instance, the 1998 Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act is still upheld in Alabama, making the sale of sex toys technically illegal (although, luckily, actual prosecution here is not a regular occurrence). They are also illegal to sell in Mississippi… although not too many folks are being thrown in jail down in the bayou over a strap-on harness!

Coming (or Cumming) Around

Luckily, for those around the world looking to plug into a USB port and have some fun, changes are coming and coming fast.

In Thailand, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, MP, a member of the Move Forward Party is leading official opposition to the existing Article 287 of the Thai criminal code. This code, ironically set in a country that is known as a top destination for sex workers, currently bans pornography and the sale of sex toys. Taopiphop intends to introduce a bill that would amend the existing criminal code that places restrictions on the sale, production, and distribution of adult movies and the sale and distribution of sex toys. 

And Thailand isn't the only country changing its perspective. In addition to examining the attitudes toward sex toys throughout India, Bad Toys Inc. exposes a thriving sex industry lurking below the country's prudish veneer. So, instead of curbing the production and sale of sex toys by not formally legalizing them, India's lack of legal stance on these products has led to an explosion of sex toy startups. And business is booming.

Since sex toys and adult products, just like pornography, will always be with us, many countries seem to be heading in a "it’s better to join them than beat them" (unless, one likes that kind of thing) perspective. To that we say, "Yes, come to the dark side. We have vibrators."