Larry Flynt Sends Hustler to Utah Lawmakers in Porn Protest

Utah lawmakers began receiving unsolicited copies of Hustler magazine's latest issue this week, a move by the publication's founder, Larry Flynt, to protest a Legislature-approved resolution that labels pornography a "public health crisis." The magazines, which started arriving Monday, were sent to every member of the Utah State Legislature.

Flynt's Protest Against "Public Health Crisis" Declaration

Larry Flynt, founder of Hustler magazine, announced in April his intention to send copies of his flagship publication to lawmakers. This action was designed to demonstrate that pornography does not pose a risk to the public. The wrapped magazines began arriving on Monday and, in many instances, were immediately discarded.

Evan Roosevelt, a spokesman for the Flynt Management Group, stated that the mailing was intended to convey a message to lawmakers that magazines like Hustler are not dangerous. Roosevelt indicated that Utah, in the view of the Flynt Management Group and Flynt, is prolonging this issue to appease religious groups within the state. He added that the intention was to remind everyone that this is not a crisis, but rather a political opportunity for legislators.

The resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, was sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross. It was passed in March and signed by Gov. Gary Herbert in April. The measure declares pornography a "public health crisis" and recognizes broad societal problems attributed to it, warranting study and education. The resolution did not implement any legal measures to prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials. Weiler plans to sponsor legislation in the upcoming legislative session that would facilitate parents installing filters on their children's cellphones and other devices. He is still developing the details of this proposed legislation.

Flynt has a history of sending his magazine to government officials. For nearly two decades, he has sent copies of Hustler to every member of Congress, the president, vice president, and U.S. Supreme Court justices. In April, Flynt stated his goal was to highlight a 1969 report by President Lyndon Johnson's Commission on Obscenity and Pornography, which found no evidence that explicit materials cause criminal behavior.

Lawmaker Reactions and Delivery Concerns

Many lawmakers expressed negative reactions to receiving the magazines. Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, stated that he was unsure what the mailing was designed to achieve, but believed it might ultimately aid his efforts rather than hinder them. He also suggested it would likely "rile up" some of his colleagues, though not in the way Flynt intended. Weiler confirmed he had not opened his copy and would not.

Rep. Kay Christofferson, R-Lehi, reported receiving a wrapped package from LFP Publishing, which he placed directly in the garbage without opening. He described the method as "pretty ineffective" for convincing lawmakers they had made the wrong decision on their vote, suggesting it instead made him realize the desperation of those trying to protect their "turf."

Other lawmakers were concerned that the magazines were sent to their home addresses, where children might encounter them. Rep. Jake Anderegg, R-Lehi, called it "highly inappropriate to send to our homes where our families and kids can see it."

Evan Roosevelt of the Flynt Management Group expressed surprise at reports of magazines being sent to home addresses. He clarified that the publisher sent the magazines to the addresses lawmakers listed as their official mailing address on the state's website. Roosevelt stated, "Our intention was not to send it to anybody's home, but rather to send it to their office."

Rep. Timothy Hawkes, R-Centerville, posted on Twitter that he had sent a copy of "Ensign," a magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in response. Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, commented on Twitter that the magazine was "wasted on me." Rep. Lowry Snow, R-St. George, confirmed he received the package at his office.

Weiler noted that legislators receive a variety of unsolicited mail, including "Utah truckers' magazines" and writings from imprisoned polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, but described the Hustler mailing as "probably a first."

Key Facts

• Utah lawmakers began receiving unsolicited copies of Hustler magazine on Monday, June 6, 2016.
• Larry Flynt, founder of Hustler, initiated the mailing as a protest against Utah's resolution declaring pornography a "public health crisis."
• The resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, was sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, and passed in March, signed by Gov. Gary Herbert in April.
• Evan Roosevelt, spokesman for the Flynt Management Group, stated the mailing aimed to show that magazines like Hustler are not dangerous and that Utah's actions are politically motivated.
• Lawmakers, including Sen. Weiler and Rep. Kay Christofferson, reported discarding the magazines, with some expressing concern about delivery to home addresses.
• Flynt has a history of sending his magazine to U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, the president, vice president, and Supreme Court justices since 1998.