June 23 -- A divided Supreme Court ruled that Congress can force the nation’s public libraries to equip computers with anti-pornography filters. NBC’s Robert Hager has details.
WASHINGTON, June 23 — A divided Supreme Court ruled Monday that Congress can force the nation’s public libraries to equip computers with anti-pornography filters. The blocking technology, intended to keep smut from children, does not violate the First Amendment even though it shuts off some legitimate, informational Web sites, the court held.
THE COURT said because libraries can disable the filters for any patrons who ask, the system is not too burdensome. The 6-3 ruling reinstates a law that told libraries to install filters or surrender federal money.
Four justices said the law was constitutional, and two others said it was allowable as long as libraries disable the filters for patrons who ask. The court described pornography in libraries as a serious problem.
“To the extent that libraries wish to offer unfiltered access, they are free to do so without federal assistance,”...
