We have all heard of "sin taxes", that are placed on consumption of tobacco and alcohol, that allow a jurisdiction to raise needed revenue. When other types of taxation are unpopular, these taxes are generally viewed as acceptable. Now some states, like Washington and Texas, are considering a tax on pornography; "special taxes on dirty magazines, racy movies, sex toys and strip clubs". These taxes would be called "skin taxes" or in the case of Texas a "pole tax" of $ 5 a cover charge at a strip club. States-Tenn, Kansas, California-are considering taxes on "porn, escort services, exotic dance clubs and other adult businesses". The problem with these taxes, according to civil libertarians, is that they will violate the First Amendment speech clause. (We will have to see what comes up on this issue in the years ahead).
(Source: "Pols fleshing out plans to impose porn 'skin taxes'" by Curt Woodward of the AP. The Record on February 28, 2009).
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