News Release from Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 1997
CONTACT: Lewis Roth
(202) 225-8104

Eshoo Praises Supreme Court Ruling On Internet Censorship

Washington, D.C.--Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) today praised the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that the Communications Decency Act is unconstitutional because it "abridges the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment." Eshoo, a member of the House Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection, last year introduced legislation that would have eliminated the "indecency" standard contained in the Communications Decency Act. The bill encouraged technological solutions to parental concerns about Internet content.

"The Supreme Court has demonstrated a far better understanding of free speech issues on the Internet than Congress did in its rush to address questionable online materials," said Rep. Eshoo. "Today's ruling erects a high legal barrier around online free speech that Congress would be wise not to attempt to breech. Parents who are legitimately concerned about what their children view on the Internet should rely on technological solutions--not restrictions on First Amendment rights--to stop certain materials from coming in to their homes."

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