indecency

Indecency refers to acts, speech, or material that offends recognized community standards of decency, particularly with regard to sexuality, profanity, or excretory matters. It is distinguished from obscenity, which courts have held to be without a redeeming social value and outside First Amendment protection, and from vulgarity or rudeness, which may be offensive but not legally regulated. In many legal systems, indecency is regulated in specific contexts while preserving broader freedom of expression.

In the United States, the term indecency is most often used in broadcasting law. The Federal Communications Commission prohibits the broadcast of indecent material on radio or television between certain hours, known as the safe harbor (commonly 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), though this material may still be protected in other settings. Indecency standards focus on explicit sexual or excretory content, while non-erotic depictions may be handled under other categories. The line with obscenity is set by the Miller test: material is obscene if, taken as a whole, it appeals to prurient interest, depicts sexual conduct in an offensive way, and lacks serious value. Indecent content may be regulated but often remains legally protected outside of broadcasting.

Culturally, what counts as indecent changes over time and varies between societies, influenced by religion, education, media, and laws. Critics argue that enforcement can suppress legitimate expression or target specific groups, while supporters contend it helps protect minors and public morals.