Mississippi residents were left stunned last week when state Senator Bradford Blackmon introduced a satirical bill that would impose fines on men for masturbating. The proposal, dubbed the “Contraception Begins at Erection Act,” aims to make it illegal for men to engage in any sexual act that results in the “discharge of genetic material” unless done with the explicit intent of fertilizing a human egg.
The bill, which would need approval from Republican Governor Tate Reeves to become law, has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning how such a regulation could ever be enforced.
Under the proposed legislation, first-time offenders would face a $1,000 fine, with penalties increasing to $5,000 for a second offense and $10,000 for any subsequent violations. However, men using contraception or donating to sperm banks would be exempt.
Senator Blackmon stated that his proposal is a response to Mississippi’s strict abortion laws, which prohibit the procedure except in cases of rape or when the mother’s life is at risk. He argued that legislation on reproductive rights disproportionately targets women, despite men playing an equal role in conception. “This bill highlights that fact and brings the man’s role into the conversation,” adding that he was unbothered by those who found the proposal absurd.
If passed, the law would take effect in July, though many believe it is unlikely to advance in Mississippi’s Republican-led legislature.
The proposal has led to widespread online skepticism, with media outlets asking on Instagram, “How would it be enforced?” Commenters echoed the sentiment, joking about surveillance measures and questioning whether the bill was real.
Mississippi has a history of unconventional legislative proposals. Last year, lawmakers introduced a bill requiring high school students to pass a U.S. citizenship test to graduate and another suggesting that deer hunters be allowed to wear fluorescent pink vests.
