Indiana Republicans Defund Kinsey Institute

Indiana Republicans Defund Kinsey Institute

INDIANAPOLIS — The Republican governor of Indiana signed into law last week a budget amendment defunding Indiana University’s Kinsey Institute, the U.S.’s most historic academic center for sexual research.

The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction at Indiana University, named after pioneering sex science researcher Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey, initially faced the defunding threat in February, when Republican legislators assailed the institution with sensationalistic allegations.

Rep. Lorissa Sweet (R-Wabash) called Alfred Kinsey “a child predator who studied orgasms in minors” and claimed that the center “continued to harbor child predators,” according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

“Who knows what they are still hiding?” Sweet proclaimed during the session. “Could they be hiding child predators? If there’s any place where Chris Hansen needs to catch a predator, it’s Indiana University.”

That debate resulted in a 53-34 House vote to defund. Only seven Republicans voted against it.

In April, the measure passed as a last-minute amendment to the Indiana state budget, barring “any state funding to the Kinsey Institute for its physical location, maintenance of facilities, equipment, utilities, programming and more.”

Kinsey Institute Director Denounces Nationwide Attack on Sexual Research

Yesterday, the Washington Posted published an editorial by Justin R. Garcia, executive director of the Kinsey Institute and Ruth N. Halls professor of gender studies at Indiana University.

“It is tremendously disappointing that Indiana lawmakers voted late last month to approve a budget that specifically blocks Indiana University from using state funding to support the Kinsey Institute, and that last week Gov. Eric Holcomb signed it into state law,” Garcia wrote. “This is an unprecedented action that takes aim at the very foundation of academic freedom.”

Rebutting Sweet’s contentions, Garcia noted, “The state representative who first proposed this recent legislation parroted false allegations of sexual predation in the institute’s historical research and ongoing work, which the institute, the university and outside experts have repeatedly refuted. Indiana state Rep. Matt Pierce described these conspiracy theories as ‘warmed-over internet memes that keep coming back.’ The legislature still acted on this disturbing, easily debunked misinformation.”

Garcia added that Indiana “is not alone” as a target of such attacks. Across the country, he warned, “legislation is being passed that affects millions of lives, restricting reproductive health care, discussions of gender identity and basic sex education. The people passing this legislation are fundamentally failing to leverage scientific evidence as a guide through these complex issues.”

Garcia said he is optimistic, however, that “this latest culture war will pass” and that the Kinsey Institute will find a way to “carry on.”

“While this recently passed legislation stings,” he wrote, “the majority of the institute’s funding comes from outside the university, from research grants and contracts, as well as philanthropic donations. But I worry about what the future will look like, for our institute and others — and for the students and researchers who rely on us — should state legislatures continue to act on misinformation around sexuality.”

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Signature Partners With BunnyCMS for Secure Payment Processing

Signature Payments has partnered with adult content management platform BunnyCMS to offer creators secure payment processing.

Sexologist Dr. Susan Block Files Motion in Meta Lawsuit

Sexologist Dr. Susan Block has reported she has filed a Motion to Vacate with a California court after an arbitrator threw out her case against Meta in June.

JustFor.fans Launches BlueSky Autoposting Feature

JustFor.fans has launched a new BlueSky autoposting feature that shares JFF posts on the social media platform.

Pineapple Support Introduces 'Sacred Rage' Support Group for Performers, Creators

Pineapple Support will host a free online support group for performers and creators, designed for individuals struggling with intense emotions and the pain often hidden behind their anger.

FSC: Kansas Attorneys Seeking Plaintiffs to Sue Adult Companies Over Age Verification

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement warning that a personal injury law firm in Kansas is soliciting plaintiffs to sue adult companies under the state's age verification law.

Ukrainian Parliament Registers Bill to Decriminalize Porn

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, registered a bill today to decriminalize the creation and distribution of pornography.

Cherie DeVille Guests on 'Sex Tales' Podcast

2023 XBIZ Performer of the Year Cherie DeVille is the latest guest on the "Sex Tales" podcast, hosted by Melissa Stratton and Vanniall, streaming on the company’s “Camming Life” YouTube channel.

Niki Media Acquires BritSexCash

Production studio Niki Media BV has acquired affiliate program BritSexCash.

FSC Warns of Nude Photography Site Falsely Claiming Affiliation With Organization

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) published a statement Friday warning of a nude art photography website fraudulently claiming to be associated with the industry trade organization.

MojoHost Reaffirms Commitment to Adult Industry Amid Project 2025 Implications

In the wake of Tuesday’s election and concerns about Project 2025’s potential ramifications, MojoHost President Brad Mitchell has released a statement affirming its commitment to the adult industry.

Show More