Sex dolls are more popular than ever. These anthropomorphic sex toys have gained countless impressions from social media and the renowned media press. These love dolls are often used to ease loneliness or assuage sexual desire in the middle of the night when emptiness creeps in. However, given the fact that these love dolls’ appearance replicates human females, many people regard these lifelike adult toys as unacceptable. Meanwhile, the legal status of sex dolls directly determines whether people can purchase, possess, and use them legally. These controversial love dolls thus raise the question of are sex dolls legal. In this blog post, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to the legal status of sex dolls in various regions and the factors you should consider before making a purchase.
What is a sex doll
Before we get into the legal jargons. Let's first learn about the definition of a sex doll.
A sex doll is a type of adult toy designed to resemble a human being, often used for sexual pleasure and companionship. These dolls can range from simple inflatable models to highly realistic creations made from materials like silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which mimic the look and feel of human skin. Advanced sex dolls may also feature articulated skeletons for posing, interchangeable body parts, and even integrated technology such as artificial intelligence for interactive experiences. Sex dolls are used for a variety of purposes, including sexual exploration, artistic expression, and as companions for those seeking emotional or physical solace.
Why are sex dolls legal?
Economic Benefits
The sex doll industry represents a significant market opportunity, offering employment and economic benefits to millions of people across the globe. For instance, a sex doll manufacturer may hire hundreds of blue-collar workers for production services, warehouse managers in North America and Europe, and marketing professionals throughout the world for digital marketing campaigns. There is even a well-established supply chain for sex doll advertising, including make-up, photography, and reviews. Sex doll manufacturers, retailers, and service providers contribute to job creation, driving economic growth and prosperity. Additionally, if sex dolls are legalized, governments can regulate the industry, ensuring ethical production standards and promoting fair trade practices.
Emotional Support and Companionship
Sex dolls offer individuals companionship, emotional support, and sexual satisfaction. Sex dolls are beneficial for many people who have experienced divorce or been single. According to recent research from Durham University, many doll owners claim that dolls can provide intimacy and companionship. Some stated that love dolls have “therapeutic benefits” alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance overall well-being. (Langcaster-James & Bentley, 2018)
They also provide a realistic alternative to human companionship, allowing individuals to explore their desires in a safe and controlled environment as some doll lovers noted that "real relationships posed significant issues for them and were too risky or undesirable." (Langcaster-James & Bentley, 2018)
Prevent STIs and STDs
Using a sex doll can help prevent STIs and STDs, as it avoids skin contact and offers an alternative to unprotected sex. Additionally, most sex dolls are made of body-safe materials, such as TPE and silicone. Body fluids will be decomposed if exposed to air in silicone or high-quality TPE sex doll tunnels. However, sharing a sex doll with multiple users is still not recommended. Please note that regular STI testing is essential for sexual health. However, using a sex doll can be an effective additional measure to reduce transmission risk.
Are Sex Dolls Legal in Your Country
United States
In the United States, there is no federal law prohibiting the importation of sex dolls, however, each state may have its own laws and regulations. In general, importing sex dolls is legal in most states, but there may be restrictions on certain features, such as explicit sexual content genitalia. On top of that, the sex doll or adult toy legal status in some states is mercurial. For instance, owning more than 7 adult toys in Texas and opening a sex doll brothel are illegal. (Solomon, 2018) It’s not like you cannot purchase adult toys and sex dolls in Texas. It’s just you are not allowed to possess these products and use them as commerical sexual purposes which might be considered as prostitution. (Solomon, 2018) But are sex dolls human entities? God only knows!
United Kingdom
In the UK “, sex dolls are not illegal.” (Harper & Lievesley, 2023) The import of sex dolls is regulated by the Customs and Excise Act 1952 and the Trade Marks Act 1994. Although the import of sex dolls is permitted, certain body types are strictly regulated. For example, the import of child-like sex dolls that contain head and genital parts and are less than 148 centimeters long is strictly prohibited.
Canada
In Canada, the import of sex dolls is subject to the Customs Act and the Criminal Code. Although the importation of sex dolls is allowed, it may be restricted depending on the content and intended use. Any explicit sexual content is strictly prohibited, and dolls that resemble children or contain realistic genitalia are subject to additional regulations.
Australia
In Australia, adult sex dolls are legal. It's crucial to remember, too, that in many places, owning a sex doll or any other item that resembles a child is illegal. This implies that there could be severe repercussions for anyone found guilty of owning such a doll.
Countries that lawfully forbid sex doll import
In most countries, “buying and using sex dolls is legal”. (open eva,2023) However, there are some countries where sex dolls are illegal.
Here are lists of countries that lawfully forbid sex doll ownership or trade: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
The reasons for these laws vary, with some countries citing cultural or religious values, while others believe that sex dolls promote a sexual culture and may be triggering.
Reference
- Eva, O. (2023, September 19). Are Sex Dolls Legal In My Country? - open eva - Medium.Medium.https://medium.com/@openeva.alpha/are-sex-dolls-legal-in-my-country-ebd04d37646e
- Staff, V. (2020, July 30). Australians Are Buying Disturbing Numbers of Childlike Sex Dolls. Vice.https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7j54a/australians-are-buying-disturbing-numbers-of-childlike-sex-dolls
- Loibl, E., Van Der Aa, S., Hendriks-Lundh, M., & Niemark, R. (2023). Exploring different national approaches to prohibiting childlike sex dolls. Maastricht Journal of European and Comparative Law, 30(1), 63–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1023263x231176908
- Langcaster-James, M., & Bentley, G. (2018). Beyond the Sex Doll: Post-Human Companionship and the rise of the ‘Allodoll.’ Robotics, 7(4), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics7040062
- Solomon, D. (2018, October 4). Everything you should know about the proposed sex robot brothel in Houston. Texas Monthly. https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/everything-need-know-sex-robot-brothel-opening-houston/
- Harper, C., & Lievesley, R. (2023). Understanding law enforcement knowledge and attitudes about sex dolls and sex doll ownership | College of Policing. College of Policing. https://www.college.police.uk/research/projects/understanding-law-enforcement-knowledge-and-attitudes-about-sex-dolls-and-sex-doll-ownership#:~:text=Although%20the%20possession%20of%20sex,many%20of%20these%20social%20discussions.
With over five years of experience in the field, I have dedicated my career to providing valuable information and insights on sex health-related topics. In this document, I will share my expertise and knowledge on various aspects of sex health, aiming to educate and empower individuals in making informed decisions regarding their sexual well-being.
