More laws have been enforced on dildos than guns by Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
In the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting, which saw 19 children and two teachers lose their lives, America's gun laws have come under intense scrutiny.
In Texas, it has since been revealed that there are harsher measures in place surrounding sex toys compared to guns.
Advert
In Texas, it is illegal to own more than six 'obscene devices', according to the state's penal code.
Part of Section 43.23 states: "A person who possesses six or more obscene devices or identical or similar obscene articles is presumed to possess them with intent to promote the same."
While the sale of sex toys in Texas is now allowed, a statute to ban them was backed by Cruz in 2007.
One part of the federal case's brief read: "There is no substantive-due-process right to stimulate one’s genitals for non-medical purposes unrelated to procreation or outside of an interpersonal relationship."
While Texas residents have to restrict the number of sex toys they own, they're allowed to carry a gun in public without any training on how to properly use it.
Advert
There are currently more regulations on sex toys than on guns.
What's more, gun laws in Texas have actually been relaxed over recent years.
In 2021, Texas legislators ruled that people could carry handguns openly on their person in public without a permit.
Advert
At the bill signing in June, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott stated: "You could say that I signed into law today some laws that protect gun rights.
"But today, I signed documents that instilled freedom in the Lone Star State."
The ruling followed not even two years after 30 people died as a result of mass shootings that took place in El Paso and Odessa.
Advert
In 2018, 10 people at Santa Fe High School were killed by a 17-year-old gunman.
San Antonio Democratic State Senator Roland Gutierrez noted it was 'astounding' to him that gun laws weren't being tightened.
He said: "We’re supposed to create things. We’re supposed to create legislation to keep people safe. By God, to keep children safe.
"And here we’ve done exactly the opposite."
When questioned about gun reform following the Uvalde shooting, Cruz accused the reporter of having a 'political agenda' before abruptly walking out of the interview.
Advert
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Poppy Bilderbeck