Mississippi

‘Contraception Begins at Erection’: Mississippi bill would fine unprotected sex

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2025

Press Room

‘Contraception Begins at Erection’: Mississippi bill would fine unprotected sex

A bill to ban unprotected sex without the intent of procreation has been filed by a Democrat in the Mississippi Senate.

The bill is called the “Contraception Begins at Erection Act.”

And while the bill has caused snarky jokes to be jabbed at the Magnolia State from social media and publications around the country, the bill’s author acknowledged the intent is to get a political rise, so to speak from some opponents.

Sen. Bradford Blackmon, D-Canton, the bill’s sponsor, said the bill is more of a political jab at Republican policy points to ban some forms of contraception than it is a serious effort to curtail what adults do behind closed doors, or opened doors, for that matter.

“You have male dominated legislatures in Mississippi and all over the country that pass laws that dictate what a woman can and cannot do with her body,” Blackmon said of the bill in a written statement. “I was raised by strong parents that preached equality for all. My mother and my father both believe in equal rights for women … 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. I am trying to figure out when it isn’t okay for the government to dictate what you do in the privacy of your own home, apparently it is when the laws regulate men.”

In an interview with the Clarion Ledger on Thursday, Blackmon said Senate Bill 12319 was filed in the same spirit as a bill by former House Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, who in 2012 introduced legislation to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America as a joke, poking at Mississippi Republicans talking points on immigration. This week, President Donald J. Trump declared the Gulf renamed to the Gulf of America.

“It’s in that same vein,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon’s bill, dubbed the “Contraception Begins at Erection Act,” would make it illegal for a man to ejaculate without the expressed intent of fertilizing an embryo if he or the person he was having sex with were not using contraception. However, if one were using a form of contraception, such as a condom or birth control, that would be OK.

“It shall be unlawful for a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo,” the bill states.

The bill, it would appear, takes the start of life to a whole new level.

If it were to pass into law, the bill would fine people who have unprotected sex $1,000 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second and $10,000 for every offense after that.

Donations to sperm banks would also be exempt from the bill’s intent.

This isn’t the first attempt that the Mississippi Legislature has attempted to regulate men’s bodies. In 2000, a Republican-filed bill would have called for fines if a man was publicly aroused, even if fully clothed at the time. That bill was aimed at patrons of strip clubs. A $2,000 fine would have levied.

Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature and state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

Source link

Click to comment

Mississippi

Where to see fireworks and celebrate Fourth of July in, near Jackson

Published

6 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

Where to see fireworks and celebrate Fourth of July in, near Jackson

Celebrate the Fourth of July at these free events with fireworks displays in the Jackson area.

Independence Day is always an exciting holiday in Mississippi with burgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill and the dazzling displays of fireworks.

This year is even more special as America celebrates its 250th birthday. It is a celebration of a milestone not to be missed and the fireworks displays will be spectacular.

If you live in the Jackson area there are plenty of events to choose from and not all of them are on Saturday, July 4, so you can go and enjoy more than one. To make them even better, the events are free.

So, here are some of the area events that include fireworks where you can celebrate America 250.

Jackson Fireworks Extravaganza

When: 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 1
Where: Smith Wills Stadium, 1200 Lakeland Drive, Jackson
Admission: Free

The City of Jackson is hosting its Fireworks Extravaganza starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Smith Wills Stadium.

Before the fireworks, guests can enjoy local food vendors and live entertainment. The event also will include a kid zone with water slides, bounce houses, face painting and games.

Independence Celebration at The Rez

When: Saturday, June 27, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore and Old Trace Park
Admission: Free

Celebrate Independence Day Rez-style at the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The event takes place the Saturday before the Fourth of July at Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore and Old Trace Park.

Live music, kid zones, food vendors and beer will be on hand. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. No outside coolers are allowed.

Freedom Fest

When: 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, July 3
Where: Brandon Amphitheater, 8190 Rock Way, Brandon
Admission: Free

Brandon’s complimentary Freedom Fest will be a kick-off to the holiday weekend celebrations. The event will include inflatables for the kids, a Cornhole tournament, face painting, food trucks and will close with a patriotic concert and fireworks display.

Red, White and Blue Fest

When: 4 p.m., Saturday, July 4
Where: Soccer Row, Traceway Park, Clinton
Admission: Free

The 36th annual Red, White and Blue Fest in Clinton starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Local live music, food and games lead up to the fireworks finale at 9 p.m. Live music performances include blues prodigy John Clayton White at 5:30 p.m. and The Fountain City Players at 7:15 p.m.

Brian Broom has been reporting on and photographing Mississippi for more than 35 years. He can be reached at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

Source link

Mississippi

Mississippi youth court law puts families' rights at risk, lawsuit says

Published

16 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi youth court law puts families' rights at risk, lawsuit says

The Office of the State Public Defender argues in a lawsuit that Mississippi officials are jeopardizing the rights of families who find themselves in youth court. The suit was filed Wednesday, days before a change in state law that attorneys say will decrease access to youth court information.

Source link

Mississippi

Political speeches happening at Neshoba County Fair. Here’s the schedule – SuperTalk Mississippi

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Political speeches happening at Neshoba County Fair. Here’s the schedule – SuperTalk Mississippi

Mississippi’s most prominent political stage will once again be filled with elected officials and candidates looking to make their case to voters during the 137th annual Neshoba County Fair.

The podium, situated beneath a wooden pavilion in Founder’s Square, gained national attention when Ronald Reagan delivered a speech there during the 1980 presidential campaign. In the decades since, the venue has become a proving ground for candidates seeking office at every level of government, often serving as a launching pad – or stumbling block – for political ambitions.

With the 2026 election cycle featuring congressional midterms, this year’s fair offers challengers a chance to connect with voters while incumbents remain in Washington as Congress conducts business. The event also provides an early look into the 2027 statewide election cycle, giving fairgoers an opportunity to hear from current officeholders who may be considering bids for higher office.

Political speaking is scheduled for the mornings of Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Invitations are extended to Mississippi’s statewide elected officials, candidates seeking statewide office, and elected officials and candidates who districts include Neshoba County.

Wednesday, June 24

9:30 a.m. — Lane Taylor (R), state senator, District 18
9:40 a.m. — Michael Chiaradino (D), candidate for U.S. House, Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District
9:50 a.m. — Ty Pinkins (Ind.), candidate for U.S. Senate
10 a.m. — Scott Colom (D), candidate for U.S. Senate
10:10 a.m. — Break
10:20 a.m. — David McRae (R), state treasurer
10:30 a.m. — Lynn Fitch (R), attorney general
10:40 a.m. — Delbert Hosemann (R), lieutenant governor

Thursday, June 25

9 a.m. — Scott Bounds (R), state representative, District 44
9:10 a.m. — DeKeither Stamps (D), public service commissioner, Central District
9:20 a.m. — Willie Simmons (D), transportation commissioner, Central District
9:30 a.m. — Jenifer Branning, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 3
9:40 a.m. — Kenny Griffis, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 1
9:50 a.m. — Break
10 a.m. — Andy Gipson (R), commissioner of agriculture and commerce
10:10 a.m. — Michael Watson (R), secretary of state
10:20 a.m. — Jason White (R), speaker of the Mississippi House
10:30 a.m. — Tate Reeves (R), governor

Republican State Auditor Shad White will not attend the fair due to military obligations. White serves as an officer in the Mississippi National Guard.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, both Republicans seeking reelection in 2026, will remain in Washington and not participate in political speaking at the Neshoba County Fair.

Source link