Here's a little food for thought. I am probably the farthest thing from a free speech absolutist that I know, but here's a tidbit, taken from Feminism And Free Speech: The Internet, that, in my opinion, should be more of a focus in trying to defeat the "decency" provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. I think the discussion of these provisions has been lacking in credibility because of its focus on pornography. I have a hard time, personally, defending pornography. I doubt I'm alone. BUT, pornography is being used to distract many people from the REAL issues involved in this debate. Unfortunately, those opposed to free speech have been able to gain the upper hand by focusing on children accessing pornography. These are the same people who want to ban information about health and sexuality from our libraries, and, if possible, the Internet. Anyway, for those looking for what they can consider a GOOD reason to oppose the Communications Decency Act, here's one (of many others, I'm sure). It's time we took back the high ground in this battle.

Many people have found feminist ideas to be offensive. In 1994, one online provider closed a feminist discussion group because of the group's provocative ideas. The best protection for women's ideas and voices is complete constitutional protection of free speech. Historically, censorship in the name of "decency" has hurt women by restricting access to information about reproduction and sexuality. It has never reduced sexism and violence. Previous centuries have seen much more censorship than we have today and yet much more discrimination against women. The best counter to speech some women may find offensive is not restriction, but adding more women's voices to the mix.

Another example of this occurred when Margaret Sanger tried to distribute birth control information in the early 1900's. She was prosecuted (persecuted??) for distributing obscene materials. You can also check out Banned Books Online to see examples of books considered classics or related to health that have been banned in the United States.

Additional information about this topic may be found at the Feminists For Free Expression Homepage. I don't agree with *everything* they say, but it's worth reading. Besides, if you wait too long, it, too, might be banned!

Last updated on March 5, 1996.

Return to Patty Lewis' Home Page