NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee push to outlaw childlike sex dolls has advanced in the Legislature.
A Senate panel voted Tuesday in favor of the legislation by Republican Sen. Janice Bowling, who said she introduced the proposal at Senate leadership's request.
Republican Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, said the bill would make it illegal to possess, sell, distribute a childlike sex doll or transport one with intent to sell or distribute. Penalties would range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Bell said the bill bans an "obscene, anatomically correct doll, mannequin or robot that is intended for sexual stimulation or gratification."
Other states, including Kentucky and Florida, are advancing similar bills.
A version of the ban has been considered in Congress within the so-called CREEPER Act by former Republican Rep. Dan Donovan of New York.