The Minneapolis Distribution Ban is a term that refers to a specific city ordinance enacted in 1985 which prohibited the sale of adult magazines within certain areas of the city. This ban had a direct impact on Larry Flynt's Hustler Magazine. In order to better understand this event, it is important to consider its origins. The history of Hustler dates back to the early 20th century when the magazine was founded by a man named Harold Kurtzweil. However, it wasn't until Larry Flynt took control of the publication in the 1960s that it became infamous for its explicit content. Flynt used his position at the helm of Hustler to push boundaries and challenge social norms related to sex and sexuality. He also began to include increasingly graphic depictions of intercourse, violence, and other forms of sexual expression. While many people found this material offensive, others saw it as an act of free speech. This led to numerous court cases being filed against Hustler, including one brought by Jerry Falwell who sued Flynt for libel after Hustler published an ad parodying him. In response to these legal battles, Flynt decided to establish a new publishing company called Perfect 10 Publications in 1993. This company specialized in erotic photography featuring nude women. However, shortly thereafter, the City of Los Angeles passed a zoning ordinance banning the distribution of adult magazines in public places. This law prevented Hustler from selling their publications in retail outlets such as newsstands or convenience stores. As a result, Flynt moved the headquarters of both companies to San Francisco where they were more likely to be protected under First Amendment rights. Despite this move, Minneapolis officials remained concerned about the effects of pornographic materials on their community and voted to ban them from certain areas. This prompted Flynt to challenge the city's decision in federal court. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Flynt in 20006, stating that the Minneapolis Distribution Ban was constitutional. Despite this setback, Flynt continued to fight for his right to publish his content until his death in 2021.
The Minneapolis Distribution Ban is a term that refers to a specific city ordinance enacted in 1985 which prohibited the sale of adult magazines within certain areas of the city. This ban had a direct impact on Larry Flynt's Hustler Magazine. In order to better understand this event, it is important to consider its origins. The history of Hustler dates back to the early 20th century when the magazine was founded by a man named Harold Kurtzweil. However, it wasn't until Larry Flynt took control of the publication in the 1960s that it became infamous for its explicit content. Flynt used his position at the helm of Hustler to push boundaries and challenge social norms related to sex and sexuality. He also began to include increasingly graphic depictions of intercourse, violence, and other forms of sexual expression. While many people found this material offensive, others saw it as an act of free speech. This led to numerous court cases being filed against Hustler, including one brought by Jerry Falwell who sued Flynt for libel after Hustler published an ad parodying him. In response to these legal battles, Flynt decided to establish a new publishing company called Perfect 10 Publications in 1993. This company specialized in erotic photography featuring nude women. However, shortly thereafter, the City of Los Angeles passed a zoning ordinance banning the distribution of adult magazines in public places. This law prevented Hustler from selling their publications in retail outlets such as newsstands or convenience stores. As a result, Flynt moved the headquarters of both companies to San Francisco where they were more likely to be protected under First Amendment rights. Despite this move, Minneapolis officials remained concerned about the effects of pornographic materials on their community and voted to ban them from certain areas. This prompted Flynt to challenge the city's decision in federal court. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Flynt in 2006, stating that the Minneapolis Distribution Ban was constitutional. Despite this setback, Flynt continued to fight for his right to publish his content until his death in 2021.