---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 13:59:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: Declan McCullagh
To: fight-censorship@vorlon.mit.edu
Subject: Family Research Council on CDA decision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 1997
CONTACT: Kristin Hansen, (202) 393-2100
COURT REAFFIRMS GOVERNMENT^RS INTEREST IN PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM
PORN, BUT STRIKES CDA AS TOO BROAD
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "Today^Rs ruling means that pornographers can
open their doors to children on the Internet. But pornographers
beware: this will not be the last word on protecting children
from your corrupting influence," Family Research Council Legal
Policy Director Cathy Cleaver said Thursday. "While Reno v. ACLU
said that the specific provisions of the CDA are too broad, the
Court also said that more narrowly tailored provisions could be
upheld."
Cleaver made her comments as the Supreme Court issued its ruling
striking down the Communications Decency Act (CDA). Cleaver
continued, "Parents still have no legal recourse to protect their
children from being sent a Penthouse centerfold. This is not
good news for the thousands of families who discover every day
that their children have accessed offensive and disgusting
material on the internet.
"At the same time, the Court has opened the door to new
legislation protection children. Americans should urge Congress
to take another look at the issue and draft a more narrowly
defined statute.
"But now, the flood gates remain open to purveyors of smut. With
no legal liability for those who pursue children with graphic
images and language on the internet, we need to act fast and
firmly to ensure that our country does not give pornographers
special rights."
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS,
CONTACT THE FRC PRESS OFFICE.
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