Calls to Uphold Community Standards at Super Bowl Halftime Show by FRC's Tony Perkins
As the excitement builds towards Super Bowl LIX, which is set to take place at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, the focus has shifted beyond just the game. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who previously served as a Louisiana state representative, has recently added his voice to a growing chorus advocating for the enforcement of community decency standards during this much-anticipated event.
In a recent letter spearheaded by Louisiana State Senator Valarie Hodges, Perkins and other concerned individuals are urging the Super Bowl organizers to adhere to the values cherished by the Louisiana community. With the aim to protect minors from explicit or inappropriate material, the letter aligns with state laws established to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere at public events.
Perkins expressed his hopes for this year’s halftime show, emphasizing the need for vigilance in upholding community standards. "Hopefully, this year's Super Bowl halftime show will not be out of bounds for the hundreds of thousands of families that will be watching. But it is not only about protecting children, important as that is, but also about upholding community standards,” Perkins stated. “The Super Bowl organizers need to abide by the community standards that the citizens of Louisiana have adopted."
The letter poignantly reflects the sentiments of many Louisianians who, while excited about the Super Bowl returning to New Orleans, are also deeply concerned about the content of past halftime performances. The memory of the infamous 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, where Janet Jackson's wardrobe mishap led to a significant media uproar and a subsequent fine imposed on CBS for over $500,000 by the FCC, looms large in public discourse. In light of such memories, Perkins pointed out that if such an incident were to occur today in Louisiana, it could have repercussions under state obscenity laws, which explicitly prohibit public exposure of such nature.
The letter urges all involved to consider the impact of their choices and the precedent set by the Super Bowl in shaping not only the entertainment landscape but also moral standards in public broadcasts. In his remarks, Perkins carefully articulated the balance between the excitement of the Super Bowl and the responsibility of its organizers. He lamented, "Many hardworking taxpayers with children have serious concerns about past performances that have been less than family-friendly."
As families across the nation prepare to watch the Super Bowl, the determination of key community figures like Perkins and Senator Hodges demonstrates a collective commitment to ensuring that entertainment remains respectful and appropriate for all age groups. It is a reminder that as the world of sports evolves, so too must our dedication to fostering an environment that aligns with the values of the communities we belong to.
For those interested in understanding the full context of the letter, it can be accessed via the Family Research Council's website, along with a video interview with Senator Hodges discussing her motivations behind the initiative. As we await the grand event filled with excitement, competition, and entertainment, the call for decency remains a significant part of the conversation leading up to Super Bowl LIX.
Louisiana's cultural identity and community values serve as vital components in how entertainment is shaped. Perkins and his colleagues remind us that amid the glitz and glamour of the Super Bowl, the importance of upholding decency, especially for younger audiences, cannot be overlooked.