The incorrigible delegate is not alone in his crusade against obscenity, however. In October, the Loudon County Library Board voted to require filtering software. Perhaps the most restrictive policy yet enacted, Loudon's libraries not only block obscene material on the Internet, but also volumes of information protected by the First Amendment. Gov. Gilmore likely will wait for a pending decision regarding the constitutionality of the Loudon policy before deciding the fate of Marshall's legislation. But hopefully Gilmore already understands the disastrous consequences of the restrictive policy.
Libraries are sanctuaries of free expression.
Marshall's proposal, however, would severely limit the exploration of important literature, visual art and information regarding AIDS and safe sex. Gilmore, and these communities, should wait for more precise filters that might successfully draw the line between smut and art. Additionally, Virginians who value freedom of speech should demand their Assembly representatives start standing up to Marshall. Many characterize him as a maverick, but he seems to have plenty of support. He already has convinced the majority of the Assembly to pass one unconstitutional law, and successfully steered another through the House of Delegates.