ALA, ACLU File
Lawsuits Challenging Mandatory Internet Filtering
In separate lawsuits filed in Philadelphia Tuesday, the American Library Association and
the American Civil Liberties Union have challenged the latest Congressional effort to
censor the Internet. The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires public schools
and libraries that use federal funds to provide Internet services to install filtering
programs to screen out images that are "harmful to minors." The filters are to
be installed not just on computers in the children's section but on computers that are
primarily used by adults.
However, adults may request the temporary removal of the features for
"legitimate" purposes.
CIPA gives librarians an unenviable
choice--either install filters or reject the federal money that allows them to make the
Internet available to people who can't otherwise afford it. "Forcing libraries to
choose between funding and censorship means millions of library users will
lose--particularly those in the most poverty-stricken and geographically isolated areas of
the country," ALA President Nancy Kranich said Tuesday. Over the past three years,
more than $190 million in federal funds has been given to more than 5,000 libraries around
the country.
ABFFE cannot participate in the case
directly because booksellers are not affected by the new law. However, we will join one of
the amicus briefs that will be filed to support the challenge.
State Legislatures Weigh Bills Limiting First Amendment Rights
Legislatures are in session in most of the states, and civil libertarians around the
country are on alert for new efforts to restrict constitutional rights, particularly the
right of free speech. Luckily, most bills that are introduced never take another step
forward. However, every year, Media Coalition, a trade association that represents
producers and distributors of books, magazines, recordings, movies, videos and video
games, alerts ABFFE to a number of bills that threaten the First Amendment rights of
booksellers and their customers.
Over the last several months, ABFFE has alerted booksellers to such bills in Michigan,
Montana and Connecticut. Late last year, the Michigan legislature was close to approving a
bill that required general bookstores to create "adults only" sections for books
and magazines that are "harmful to minors." The bill died when the legislature
adjourned.
This year, a Montana lawmaker introduced a bill that allows authorities to regulate as an
"adult" business any bookstore that receives 10 per cent of its income from the
sale of works with sexual content. Because of unpleasant experiences with the legislature
in the past, Montana booksellers are particularly vigilant in monitoring new bills and had
already announced their opposition to this bill before ABFFE contacted them. Following a
public hearing at which a bookseller from Fact and Fiction in Missoula testified, the bill
was tabled and probably will not be considered again.
The Connecticut legislature is giving serious thought to a bill that would fine a retailer
$200 for selling an audio recording bearing a parental warning sticker to a minor. The law
would apply to audio books as well as music CD's.
New legislation will continue to be introduced in coming weeks. One Arkansas bill that
ABFFE is monitoring is similar to the Michigan bill. However, it uses a definition of
"harmful to minors" that is far broader and includes any book or magazine that
contains nudity or "graphic violence."
New Effort Launched to
Enact First Amendment to First Amendment
In the 210 years since the adoption of the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment has never
been amended. However, that doesn't mean no one has tried. The "reformers" have
come too close for comfort in their effort to pass a new constitutional amendment that
would allow Congress to outlaw flag desecration. Last week, sponsors of the so-called
"flag amendment" announced that for the 13th year in a row, they will attempt to
get two-thirds of the members of the House and Senate to approve the amendment and send it
to the states for ratification. Most state legislature have already passed resolutions
indicating their support for the flag amendment.
Once again, ABFFE will join with other free speech groups and many veterans, including
Secretary of State Colin Powell, in fighting the effort to amend the First Amendment. If
you wish to send a fax to your representatives, use this link on the
ACLU Web site.
Free Speech Threatened by Assassination, Jailing of Foreign Journalists
The release of the Committee to Protect Journalists' annual report is always an occasion
counting our free speech blessings. According to CPJ, which tracks the state of press
freedom around the world, 24 journalists were killed because of their work in 2000.
Another 81 were in prison at the end of
the year. The report, "Attacks on the Press in 2000," documents more than 600
cases of media repression in 131 countries. To read the report, go to the CPJ Web site, http://www.cpj.org.
Clearance Sale on Muggles Buttons Continuing
ABFFE's Muggles for Harry Potter clearance sale is continuing. The price of Muggles for
Harry Potter buttons has been cut by over 50 per cent and shipping is free. The price of a
100 button bag has been cut from $40 to $25, and the discount grows if you order more. Two
bags are now $40; 3 bags, $50.
Order now while supplies last! The buttons are listed in the Special Offers section of the
ABFFE store, www.abffe.com. Or call ABFFE at (212) 587-4025. Meanwhile, ABFFE is
continuing to offer Muggles for Harry Potter T-shirts to new members of the foundation.
New members can join ABFFE online, by telephone or by sending a check for $35 to ABFFE,
139 Fulton St., Suite 302, New York, NY 10038.
