Both use computers at the library to research homework assignments. So the two teens, who are students at Philadelphia's Mathematics, Civics and Science Charter School, were among the plaintiffs Tuesday as two lawsuits were filed in U.S. District Court here seeking to overturn the Children's Internet Protection Act. The law, set to be phased in beginning April 20, requires schools and public libraries that receive federal technology funds to use Internet filters to block pornography and other material deemed harmful to minors. The students outlined their views before a news conference announcing that the American Library Association and the ACLU had filed tandem suits challenging the new law's constitutionality. Representatives of the two groups said the suits were brought on behalf of a coalition of library groups, health organizations, individual library patrons and Internet publishers.
Lawyers expect the court to combine the suits.
Supporters of the law, including the Washington-based Family Research Council, vowed to defend it in court. Blocking of constitutionally protected material can happen, but it isn't fatal or terminal. We believe education is more effective than filters. Specifically, the suits contend that the Children's Internet Protection Act violates the First Amendment right to free speech. The legislation not only strictly limits access for minors, but also for adults and all Internet users in public libraries.