The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
The Alabama Statehouse (built in 1963 as the Highway Department Building) is slated to be demolished next year.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Last night, Alabama voters sent a message.
Four lawmakers tied to the effort to block HB 347, legislation designed to protect children and victims from AI-generated sexual exploitation, were defeated in their Republican primaries, and another was forced into a run-off. Those lawmakers include State Sen. Greg Albritton, Rep. Jim Carns, Rep. Matt Simpson, Rep. Phillip Pettus, and Rep. Holk-Jones.
Their defeat by challengers who all embraced HB 347 followed a statewide billboard, Christian radio, petition, social media, and video campaigns by a coalition of church and parent groups educating Alabamans on what happened and what is at stake.
HB 347 was a commonsense bill. It would have created accountability when AI tools are used to generate exploitative sexual images of real people and minors without their consent. The legislation passed through both chambers of the Legislature and only needed a final vote before reaching the Governor's desk.
Instead, after pressure from tech lobbyists and closed-door interference at the State House, the bill was quietly buried in the final hours of session.
In the weeks that followed, there was a growing call from Christians, parents, law enforcement voices, and faith-based organizations across Alabama demanding action. That effort included statewide grassroots petitions and public awareness efforts educating the public on the blocked vote and warning about the dangers AI-generated exploitation poses to children and families.
"With today's AI technology, anyone's image can be stolen, manipulated, and turned into something exploitative in seconds," said Dr. Randy Brinson, President and Chairman of the Christian Coalition of Alabama. "Alabama families understood the seriousness of this issue, even if some politicians in Montgomery did not."
The Christian Coalition of Alabama said the results should serve as a warning to lawmakers who choose to protect powerful technology interests instead of Alabama families and vulnerable children.
"This was not a fringe proposal. This was commonsense legislation rooted in basic morality, accountability, and protecting innocent people from abuse and exploitation," said Dr. Brinson. "The public is far ahead of the political class on this issue. Parents are scared, victims are speaking out, and people are tired of watching politicians fold to Big Tech lobbyists behind closed doors."
The organization said it plans to continue pushing for legislation addressing AI-generated exploitation and digital sexual abuse in future legislative sessions.
"As Christians, we believe children are worth protecting and that leaders have a responsibility to stand for what is right, even when powerful interests push back," said Dr. Brinson. "This issue is not going away, and neither are we."
About the Christian Coalition of Alabama: The Christian Coalition of Alabama is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing policies that protect faith, family, and freedom through grassroots engagement, public policy education, and civic involvement across the state.
Reader Comments(0)