Participants in the Adult Entertainment Industry are often labeled, by the religious right, as soulless decadents destined for an eternity of suffering in the pits of Hell. In getting to know hundreds of clients involved in this industry over the past decade, it has become quite apparent that the reality contradicts the accusation.

The vast majority of those involved with erotica are caring, deeply spiritual individuals, unburdened by archaic notions of guilt associated with celebrating the act of love between human beings. These individuals have been unfairly categorized as atheistic, pagan or downright evil. It is time for the truth to be told: Most of us believe in God.

However, our God is a loving, compassionate God' not a vengeful God full of fire and brimstone. Our God created the act of sexual intercourse to provide humans with the ability to touch each other's souls. Participants in this industry are not ashamed of their God-given bodies, or of the act of love. To the contrary, many of those in the Adult Industry sacrifice their own privacy in order to provide education and entertainment for those who choose to share in their intimacy. Most religions believe that God gave human beings the gift of free will, thereby separating us from animals. Yet the fundamentalist Christian groups strive ever so fervently to chip away at that free will, and remove from the individual his or her right to choose. These religious zealots commit the mortal sin of playing God by trying to force their preferred choices on God's creatures in the attempt to remove the divine gift of free will.

This author respects all religious viewpoints and would fight to the court of last resort to defend the right to free exercise of religion for anyone, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Witches or Atheists. On the other hand, religious preferences are uniquely personal in nature and ought not be forced by any group, church, pastor or rabbi. Moreover, no group of individuals, including participants in the Adult Entertainment Industry, should be stereotyped or condemned for their beliefs. A healthy interest in human sexuality is neither immoral nor sinful. It is an honor to fight for the rights of those God-fearing individuals who chose to celebrate human intimacy and share their erotic experiences with the world.

Lawrence G. Walters, Esquire is a partner with the law firm of Weston, Garrou & DeWitt, based in Los Angeles. Mr. Walters runs the firm's Florida office, and represents clients involved in all aspects of adult media. Weston, Garrou & DeWitt handles First Amendment cases nationwide, and has been involved in significant Free Speech litigation before the United States Supreme Court. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily shared by the other attorneys or employees of the firm. All statements made in the above article are matters of opinion only, and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult your own attorney on specific legal matters. You can reach Lawrence Walters at Larry@LawrenceWalters.com or www.FreeSpeechLaw.com