Anthony Comstock was jubilant over his legislative victory. Soon after the federal law was on the books, twenty-four states enacted their own versions of Comstock laws to restrict the contraceptive trade on a state level.

Who passed the Comstock Act?

The Comstock Laws were a set of federal acts passed by the United States Congress under the Grant administration along with related state laws. The “parent” act (Sect. 211) was passed on March 3, 1873, as the Act for the Suppression of Trade in, and Circulation of, Obscene Literature and Articles of Immoral Use.

When was the Comstock Law made?

Comstock Act of 1873 (1873) The Comstock Act of 1873 made it illegal to send “obscene, lewd or lascivious,” “immoral,” or “indecent” publications through the mail.