The Fight For Romance: How Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 593 Threatens The Books We Love

The Fight for Romance: How Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 593 Threatens the Books We Love

Romance readers, writers, publishers, and booksellers—we are facing a threat unlike anything we’ve seen before. Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 593 isn’t just a bill about obscenity laws—it’s a dangerous step toward widespread censorship that could strip us of the stories we love, the stories that have shaped lives, brought people together, and given voice to diverse experiences of love and passion.

If passed, this bill will go into effect on November 1, 2025, and it’s not just Oklahoma that should be worried. This bill could be a test run for a larger, national movement to silence the romance genre and restrict creative freedom across the United States. Here’s what you need to know, why it matters, and how you can fight back—whether you’re in Oklahoma or beyond.

What Is Senate Bill 593?

Senate Bill 593 broadens the definition of “obscenity” and “unlawful pornography,” allowing private citizens to sue anyone who produces or distributes materials they believe to be obscene. Yes, that’s right. They’re putting bounties on those who write, publish, and distribute romance using vague language and offering rewards to those turning them in. This would also obviously include fanfiction.

What’s considered obscene under this bill? Any content that:

Appeals to “prurient” sexual interests,

Is “patently offensive” in its depiction of sexually explicit conduct,

And lacks “serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value.”

While that might sound like it’s aimed at the worst of the worst, the vague language leaves the door wide open for romance novels with explicit content to be targeted—especially those that include steamy scenes, LGBTQ+ relationships, or anything that challenges conservative ideas of “acceptable” love stories.

Under this bill, authors, publishers, and even bookstores could face lawsuits from anyone who decides a book crosses the line. If a lawsuit is successful, the penalties are staggering:

At least $10,000 per image or depiction deemed “unlawful,”

Up to 10 years in prison for possession or distribution of these materials,

Fines up to $500,000 for organized distribution.

The bill doesn’t stop there—even those who “aid or abet” the production or distribution of such material can be sued. This means publishers, editors, librarians, and even booksellers could be targeted.

How Will This Impact Romance Novels?

Romance novels are beloved for their ability to explore the full spectrum of human emotion, including sexual desire and intimacy. But if SB 593 passes, books that feature explicit scenes—no matter how integral to character development or plot—could be labeled obscene.

Authors will self-censor to avoid legal trouble, watering down their stories and avoiding complex, realistic portrayals of relationships.

Publishers might refuse to publish books with explicit content, fearful of lawsuits.

Booksellers and Libraries could pull romance novels from their shelves to avoid risk.

Readers will lose access to diverse, passionate stories that reflect real life.

This isn’t just about steamy scenes. Books that feature LGBTQ+ relationships or address issues like trauma, abuse, and recovery could also be targeted, under the guise of “protecting community standards.” The result? A chilling effect that stifles creativity and silences marginalized voices.

What Happens If This Goes National?

Oklahoma could be just the beginning. If SB 593 passes and survives legal challenges, other states might adopt similar legislation. We’re looking at a future where:

Romance authors across the country will fear legal action, leading to a decline in the genre’s vibrancy.

Publishers and digital platforms like Amazon could impose stricter content guidelines, making it harder for indie authors to thrive.

Readers nationwide will find fewer options and less diversity in the romance section.

This is about more than just romance novels—it’s about free speech and the right to read and write stories that reflect the full range of human experience. Once we allow vague, subjective laws like this to pass, there’s no telling where the censorship will end.

The Bigger Picture: Free Speech Under Threat

At its core, SB 593 is a threat to free speech. The First Amendment protects our right to express ourselves, even if that expression makes some people uncomfortable. By allowing private citizens to sue over subjective definitions of “obscenity,” this bill opens the floodgates for widespread book bans and censorship.

Once romance novels are targeted, it won’t stop there. Books that explore racial issues, political dissent, or any topic that challenges the status quo could be next. This isn’t just about protecting spicy scenes in your favorite novels—it’s about protecting the right to tell stories that matter.

What Can Romance Fans in Oklahoma Do?

If you’re in Oklahoma, your voice matters right now. Here’s how you can fight back:

Contact Your State Legislators: Find out who represents you in the Oklahoma Senate and House. Call, email, or write letters expressing your opposition to SB 593. Be clear, passionate, and explain how this bill threatens creative freedom.

Support Local Bookstores and Libraries: Let them know you stand with them against censorship. Attend events, buy books, and show that you value access to diverse stories.

Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) and PEN America fight against book bans and censorship. Get involved, donate, or volunteer.

Spread the Word: Talk to your friends, family, and social networks about this bill. Use hashtags like #StopSB593 and #ProtectRomance to raise awareness.

What Can Romance Fans Outside of Oklahoma Do?

Even if you’re not in Oklahoma, this fight affects you too. Here’s how you can help:

Raise Awareness Nationwide: Share articles, social media posts, and videos about SB 593. The more people know about this bill, the harder it will be to pass similar legislation elsewhere.

Support Oklahoma Authors and Bookstores: Buy books from Oklahoma-based romance authors and indie bookstores. Show solidarity by keeping their voices heard.

Get Involved with National Advocacy Groups: Support organizations fighting for free speech, like American Library Association (ALA), PEN America, and National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC).

Stay Vigilant in Your Own State: Watch for similar bills in your state legislature. If you see something, speak up immediately to prevent it from gaining traction.

The Time to Act Is Now

Romance novels and fanfiction are more than just entertainment—they’re a celebration of love in all its forms. They’re a refuge for readers, a creative outlet for writers, and a thriving industry that brings people together.

Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 593 threatens all of that. If we don’t fight back, we risk losing not just the stories we love but the freedom to tell them. Whether you’re an author, a reader, a publisher, or a bookseller, this is your call to action.

The battle for our books starts now. Let’s make sure our voices are louder than the ones trying to silence us.

Link to original article: https://www.theromancestudio.com/the-fight-for-romance-how-oklahomas-senate-bill-593-threatens-the-books-we-love/