A Florida gubernatorial candidate has ignited a firestorm with a proposal to levy a significant tax on individuals earning income through the platform OnlyFans. James Fishback framed the potential “sin tax” as a moral stand against what he perceives as a decline in societal values.
Fishback expressed concern over shifting aspirations, contrasting traditional career paths with the current landscape of online content creation. He lamented a perceived encouragement of selling intimate images, characterizing it as “cultural degeneracy” he would not tolerate as governor.
The candidate estimates the tax could generate approximately $200 million in revenue. He intends to allocate these funds towards bolstering Florida’s education system, a move presented as a reinvestment in the state’s future.
Beyond education, Fishback outlined plans to direct funds towards crisis pregnancy centers. He also proposed creating a dedicated mental health advocate specifically for men, arguing they have been unfairly burdened with societal blame.
Fishback’s rhetoric extended to a direct critique of the perceived impact on young men, asserting they are wrongly accused of societal ills. He vowed to challenge what he described as a “slanderous lie” regarding masculinity.
He articulated a desire to steer young women away from online platforms and towards traditional roles, specifically motherhood and family life. He also expressed concern about the influence of online content on impressionable young men and their spiritual well-being.
The proposal isn’t limited to content creators; Fishback suggested exploring a tax on OnlyFans customers as well, broadening the potential revenue stream and scope of the policy.
The reaction from within the OnlyFans community was swift and critical. Creator Sophie Rain dismissed the proposal as “the dumbest thing” she’d ever encountered, emphasizing the autonomy of her decision to join the platform.
Rain passionately defended her choices, stating she was not coerced and that her faith provided her with the only validation she needed. She rejected the notion of a man dictating her agency over her own body.
Another creator, Piper Fawn, accused Fishback of attempting to impose his religious beliefs through legislation. She acknowledged the moral arguments but questioned the appropriateness of framing them as legal justification for taxation.
Fawn argued that focusing on religious definitions of “sin” distracts from addressing more pressing issues and suggested there are more effective ways to improve the state. She believes the proposal misdirects attention from genuine needs.
Fishback doubled down on his stance, presenting a stark choice to those involved in online content creation. He offered a 50% tax on earnings or a complete cessation of the activity, framing the latter as a path towards “morally rigorous” pursuits.