CANOGA PARK, CA — The adult industry has heard plenty of harsh words from politicians affiliated with both major parties, but has been on the receiving end of precious little political lovin’ – until now, courtesy of the Free Speech Coalition and Democratic presidential candidate Mike Gravel.Gravel, who served as a U.S. Senator for the state of Alaska from 1969 – 1981, has agreed to attend the Free Speech Coalition’s Red, White, and Blue Bash fundraiser, to be held on Saturday, October 13th at the Universal Studios Globe Theatre.

The Senator is no stranger to controversy, having launched a one-man filibuster in 1971 against renewing the military draft. His successful five-month efforts were able to block the bill until then-President Richard Nixon and Senate Republicans agreed to let the issue die.

Most refreshing and welcome to adult industry ears is Gravel’s admission to being “proud to be a voice for the industry,” according to a press release from the FSC, and fully in support of the rights of Americans to be left alone when deciding what to do in their real and metaphorical bedrooms. The PR further states that Gravel believes that free speech rights are inherent and worthy of respect, even within the adult entertainment industry.

Diane Duke, FSC executive director is quoted as explaining that “Just last week, FSC representatives spent a day at our nation’s capitol, lobbying people who were afraid to admit that they had even met with us. So, we are extraordinarily honored to have Senator Gravel step forward in public support of our industry.”

The Senator is expected to stay for the entire fundraiser and address the attendees briefly, with a Q&A period to be held later.

“The tide is turning,” Duke foretells, “and courageous free thinkers like Senator Gravel are standing up and telling the truth about oppressive government intrusions into people’s personal lives that not only tears away personal freedoms, but also wastes valuable tax dollars in unwanted and misguided moral policing.”