Yesterday the Eleventh Circuit court held that Alabama's ban on sex toys is constitutional. On Valentine's Day of all days! The ruling does so on the grounds "that Alabama has an interest in preserving "public morality" against the sale of such devices." This ban does not prohibit owning sex toys or using them, just (just!) buying them anywhere in the state of Alabama.This is the same circuit that struck down Lawrence v Texas (the anti-sodomy law). Surprised? I was too. The court said that Lawrence was all about "private" activity between sexual partners whereas the sex toy ban is "public, commercial activity." The decision actually said that selling sex toys is more like prostitution and has nothing to do with private, consensual sex.Although it's true that selling sex toys is commercial (most business do want to make at least some money), it's about so much more than that and the items that people are buying affect their private lives in ways that are wholly different than tissues or toothbrushes. I have never been for the regulation of things used privately and this is no exception.Live in Alabama? Babeland can send you all the sex toys you want in discreet boxes with an easy and simple return policy. We've got a lot of advice to help you pick out what you need, even if you can't come into our stores.Link (via Feministing)Thanks, BoingBoing for the great image!