Document: 413 U.S. 376 93 S.Ct. 2553 37 L.Ed.2d 669 PITTSBURGH PRESS COMPANY, Petitioner,v.The COMMISSION ON HUMAN RELATIONS et al. No. 72—419. Argued March 20, 1973. Decided June 21, Rehearing Denied Oct. 9, See 414 881, 94 30. Syllabus Following a complaint and hearing, respondent Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations held that petitioner had violated city ordinance by using an advertising system in its daily newspaper whereby employment opportunities are published under headings designating job preference sex. On appeal from affirmance of the Commission's cease-and-desist order, court below barred referring to sex headings, unless want ads placed beneath them relate not subject ordinance's prohibition against discrimination. Petitioner contends contravenes constitutional rights freedom press. Held: The as construed forbid newspapers carry sex-designated columns for nonexempt does violate petitioner's First Amendment rights. Pp. 381—391. (a) advertisements here, which did implicate newspaper's freedon expression or financial viability, were 'purely commercial advertising,' is protected Amendment. Valentine v. Chrestensen, 316 52, 54, 62 920, 921, 86 L.Ed. 1262. New York Times Co. Sullivan, 254, 84 710, 11 686, distinguished. 384 387. (b) Petitioner's argument maintaining Chrestensen distinction between other speech unpersuasive context case like this, where regulation was incidental coextensive with 387—389. (c) clear no broader than necessary, prior restraint endangering arguably speech. 389—390. 4. Pa.Cmwlth. 448, 287 A.2d 161, affirmed. Charles Richard Volk, Pittsburgh, Pa., petitioner. Eugene B. Strassburger, III, respondents others. Marjorie H. Matson, National Organization Women, Inc. [amici curiae information Page 377 intentionally omitted] Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion Court. 1 Ordinance City (the Ordinance) has been courts Pennsylvania forbidding 'help-wanted' except employer advertiser free make hiring referral decisions basis We called upon decide whether so violates freedoms press guaranteed Fourteenth Amendments. This issue sensitive one, full understanding it arises critical resolution. 2 * proscribes discrimination race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place birth, sex.1 In relevant part, § 8 declares be unlawful practice, 'except based bona fide occupational exemption certified Commission': 3 '(a) For any refuse hire person otherwise discriminate respect . because 4 '(e) 'employer,' agency labor organization publish circulate, cause circulated, notice advertisement relating 'employment' membership indicates 5 '(j) person, employer, organization, aid doing act declared practice this ..' present proceedings initiated October 1969, when (NOW) filed Commission), charged implementing Ordinance. alleged Press (Pittsburgh Press) violating 8(j) 'allowing employers male female columns, jobs advertised obviously do have qualifications exceptions Finding probable believe Ordinance, at received evidence heard parties interested organizations. Among exhibits introduced hearing clippings help-wanted carried January 4, 1970, edition Sunday Press, arranged column.2 many cases, consisted simply title, salary, carrying listing, while others included somewhat more extensive descriptions.3 6 July 23, issued Decision Order.4 It found during 1969 total 248,000 advertisements; before use captioned 'Male Help Wanted,' 'Female 'Male-Female Wanted'; thereafter used captions 'Jobs—Male Interest,' 'Jobs—Female 'Male-Female'; respective according advertiser's wishes, either volunteered offered response inquiry Press.5 first concluded 8(e) forbade employers, agencies, organizations submit placement columns. then violation 8(j), aided advertisers classification system. After specifically considering rejecting Amendment, ordered cease desist such violations utilize reference order affirmed all respects Court Common Pleas.6 7 Commonwealth Court, scope narrowed allow exempt antidiscrimination provisions As pointed out court's opinion, apply fewer five persons, outside religious, fraternal, charitable, sectarian organizations, nor domestic service exception. modified bars 'all column may said Commission.' 470, 172 (1972). Supreme denied review, we granted certiorari whether, contends, restricting editorial judgment. 409 1036, 515, 34 485 (1972).7 affirm. II There little need reiterate rank among our most cherished liberties. Black put it: 'In Founding Fathers gave protection must fulfill essential role democracy.' United States, 403 713, 717, 91 2140, 2143, 29 822 (1971) (concurring opinion). durability self-government hinges preservation these freedoms. 9 '(S)ince informed public potent restraints misgovernment, suppression abridgement publicity afforded cannot regarded grave concern. A stands one great interpreters government people. To fettered fetter ourselves.' Grosjean American Co., 297 233, 250, 56 444, 449, 80 660 (1936). 10 repeated emphasis accorded theme serves underline narrowness recognized principle regulated Government. Our therefore challenged falls within exceptions. At outset, however, important identify some care nature abridgment. law disables undermining institutional viability. evolved assortment small printers into diverse aggregation including large publishing empires well, parallel growth complexity economy led regulatory legislation '(t)he publisher special immunity.' Associated NLRB, 301 103, 132, 57 650, 656, 81 953 (1937). Accordingly, upheld application Labor Act, ibid.; Fair Standards Mabee White Plains Publishing 327 178, 66 511, 90 607 (1946); Oklahoma Walling, 186, 494, 614 Sherman Antitrust 326 1, 65 1416, 89 2013 (1945); Citizen 394 131, 927, 22 148 (1969). also Branzburg Hayes, 408 665, 92 2646, 33 626 Yet several occasions needs vigorous striking down laws taxing revenue circulations excess 20,000, supra; requiring license distribution printed matter, Lovell Griffin, 303 58 666, 82 949 (1938); prohibiting door-to-door leaflets. Martin Struthers, 319 141, 63 862, 87 1313 (1943).8 12 But suggestion made passed purpose muzzling curbing Nor argue threatens viability9 impairs significant way ability distribute newspaper. event, contention would supported record. III 13 limited way, affect make-up section Under will required abandon policy providing allowing select their placed. addition, substitute independent decision regarding 14 Respondents rely principally permissible unprotected commercial-speech doctrine traceable brief 1262 (1942), sustaining interpreted ban handbill soliciting customers pay admission tour submarine. Roberts, speaking unanimous said: 15 'We Constitution imposes purely advertising.' Id., S.Ct., 921. 16 Subsequent cases demonstrated, rendered mere fact relates advertisement. 686 (1964), official Montgomery, Alabama, brought libel action four clergymen Times. names appeared advertisement, Times, criticizing police directed members civil movement. holding political entitled same degree ordinary speech, stated: 17 'That paid immaterial connection books sold.' 266, 718. 18 Smith California, 361 147, 215, 205 (1959); Ginzburg 383 463, 474, 942, 949, 31 (1966). If profit motive determinative, aspects operations—from selection news stories choice position if could established they conducted view toward increased sales. Such clearly incompatible 19 feature that, Court's view, propose transaction, sale Brennan, easily distinguishable: 20 'The publication here 'commercial' sense word Chrestensen. communicated information, expressed recited grievances, protested claimed abuses, sought support behalf movement whose existence objectives matters highest interest concern.' U.S., 21 crucial respects, record resemble rather Sullivan None expresses matter social policy, certain positions ought filled sex, criticize enforcement practices. Each proposal possible employment. thus classic examples applicable, focus exercise judgment content. finding defers every wishes ad should nonetheless true, column. consider judgmental discretion distinguishable, purposes analysis, content itself. Or, question differently, conduct available advertiser? 23 circumstances, least, judgments take character and, those affected libelous example, shield punishment actual malice publishes falsely defamatory supra, 279—280, 725—726. Assuming requisite state mind, then, nothing accept changes statements. defend suit ground statements own. 24 Similarly, remains hands media, least circumstances.10 Capital Broadcasting Acting Attorney General, 405 1000, 1289, 472 (1972), aff's 333 F.Supp. 582 (D.C.1971), summarily district constitutionality U.S.C. 1335, prohibits electronic media cigarette advertisements. District there treated even though challenge mounted radio broadcasters advertisers. Because peculiar characteristics 190, 226—227, 997, 1014, 1344 (1943), dispositive ultimate Its significance lies, rather, recognition kind necessarily strip character.11 25 case, persuaded directs lifts actions category By implication appears Interest' likely women his decisions. Nothing heading sufficiently dissociates designation severable themselves. combination, conveys essentially message overtly discriminatory ad, practical effect integrated statement. 26 goes package higher level progeny suggest. Insisting exchange realm other, us abrogate 27 Whatever merits contexts, case. Discrimination only activity, illegal activity Ordinance.12 doubt constitutionally forbidden proposing narcotics prostitutes. result different transaction indicated 'Narcotics Sale' 'Prostitutes Wanted' stated corners 28 illegality less overt, but see difference here. Sex s 8(a) provision And forbids agency, union 'indicating' This, too, unchallenged. Moreover, Section attack makes 'any ordinance.' placing indeed 'aid' indicate preferences. advertisements, embroidered placement, signaled show Any might served outweigh governmental supporting altogether absent itself restriction valid limitation economic activity. IV 30 suggested, amicus curiae, apart considerations, condemned expression.13 described Blackstone, common administrative censorship: 'To restrictive power licenser, formerly done, both since revolution, sentiment prejudices man, him arbitrary infallible judge controverted points learning, government.' W. Commentaries *152. 32 While boldly stepped beyond narrow Near Minnesota, 283 697, 51 625, 75 1357 (1931), injunction further nuisance, never injunctions impermissible. Lorain Journal 342 143, 72 181, 96 162 (1951). vice communication suppressed, directly inducing excessive caution speaker, adequate determination endanger continuing course repetitive conduct, asked speculate publication. Cf. (1971). sweeps broadly necessary. interim relief granted, gone final unprotected.14 V emphasize allows commenting practices Commission, propriety preferences Nor, fortiori, authorize whatever, layout, commentary originated columnists, contributors. contrary, reaffirm unequivocally views issues, however controversial. hold narrowly drawn prohibit opportunities, infringe Press. 35 Affirmed. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT 36 following submitted "JOBS--MALE INTEREST" column: ACAD. INSTRUCTORS.................... $13,000 ACCOUNTANTS........................... 10,000 ADM. ASS'T, CPA....................... 15,000 ADVERTISING MGR....................... BOOKKEEPER F-C......................... 9,000 FINANCIAL CONSULTANT.................. 12,000 MARKETING MANAGER..................... MGMT. TRAINEE.......................... 8,400 OFFICE MGR. TRAINEE.................... 7,200 LAND DEVELOPMENT...................... 30,000 PRODUCT. MANAGER...................... 18,000 PERSONNEL MANAGER....................... OPEN SALES-ADVERTISING...................... SALES-CONSUMER......................... 9,600 SALES-INDUSTRIAL...................... SALES-MACHINERY........................ RETAIL MGR............................ Most Positions Fee Paid EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS 2248 Oliver Bldg. 261-2250 Employment Agency App. 311a day, agency's "JOBS--FEMALE follows: 38 INSTRUCTORS........................ ACCOUNTANTS................................ 6,000 AUTO-INS. UNDEWRITER........................ BOOKKEEPER-INS............................. 5,000 CLERK-TYPIST............................... 4,200 DRAFTSMAN.................................. KEYPUNCH D. T.............................. 6,720 BEGINNER.......................... 4,500 PROOFREADER................................ 4,900 RECEPTIONIST—Mature T.................... EXEC. SEC.................................. 6,300 SECRETARY.................................. 4,800 SECRETARY, Equal Oppor..................... SECRETARY T............................. 5,400 TEACHERS-Pt. Time......................... day 33. TYPIST-Statistical......................... Ibid. [Appendix continued p. 393.] 39 Characteristic offering fuller descriptions STAFF MANAGEMENT TRAINEE 40 $12,000 you background management business stepping stone waiting for. You your own boss cash outlay. Call write today. 313a 41 Chief BURGER, dissenting. 42 Despite efforts presented represents, me, disturbing enlargement 'commercial speech' doctrine, serious encroachment launches what I perceive treacherous path defining layout organizational 'sufficiently associated' parts papers regulation. Assuming, arguendo, permits States restrictions enlarge reach 43 claims decided classified facilitate readers. Not conveyed readers plain terms, explicitly cautions interpreting indicative Thus, each prints 'Notice Job Seekers': 44 'Jobs Male Female classifications convenience done generally persons other. Various ordinances—local, federal, requirement. Unless specifies seekers assume applicants compliance discrimination.' 45 my thinking, Pittsburg acted journalistic adopting arrangement Especially light Seekers,' unrealistic say, does, dissociate(d)' 'want (them) themselves.'1 Supra, 388. includes right arrange paper, items, editorials, advertising, sees fit.2 'controllers' excesses indulged flamboyant venal press; often takes long time influences bear fruit inherent 46 conclusion constitute gives me reassurance. That assertedly affects 'continuing conduct.' 390. Even correct, still disagree outstanding publications—the essence restraint. effects differs noted permit want-ads dealing apply, 47 'to charitable exception.' 380. 48 chooses continue exempted well face difficult legal questions deciding particular wrong covered heading, runs risk being summary contempt terms order.3 49 effect, therefore, area inhibiting permanently enjoined publishers printing 'malicious, scandalous newspaper, defined law.' 706, 627. struck 1971, reaffirmed presumptive unconstitutionality Better Austin Keefe, 402 415, 1575, Indeed, (1971), member tacitly explicitly, accepted Keefe condemnation presumptively unconstitutional. have, failed burden. impermissible very having 'unlucky' guess secure advance approval run 50 DOUGLAS, join dissent STEWART, add few words. he says, press, business, can matters. leading score 2013, holds news-gathering accountable antitrust laws. token, periodical, TV broadcaster subjected relations extend imposition penalties sanctions unit race religion 52 regime designed eliminate sex; commission charge program issues orders violators. defense 53 reason pleases about without censorship require reflect ideological creed reflecting dominant philosophy, transient fixed. pages facilities denounce urge repeal or, extreme, who letter spirit. 54 Commercial distinguished news, 1262, protection. My changed 1942, year decided. earlier occasions, materials Empire Industries Ltd., Pennsylvania, wanted full-page denouncing law, censored punished running uttering contents address Independence Hall. pros cons legislative enactments discussion dialogue highly honored traditions. 55 rise litigation express help needs. through firing employees preferences, remedial him, shown. impunity denunciation taking side impunity. Where Government enforce it. censoring punishing subscribers ideas letters editor space. comes time, course, closely brigaded really one. False shouting 'fire' theater, example given Holmes, Schenck 249 47, 247, 249, example. Giboney Storage 336 490, 69 684, 834, written Black, another. unusual circumstances. STEWART witnessed growing tendency cut literal requirements squelch someone step. Historically, miscreant usually unpopular minority. Today bow spreading bureaucracy promises engulf us. become stereotyped earned fate. presupposes free-wheeling, people vagaries include spread across entire spectrum thoughts beliefs.* let broad flourish, unrestrained Government, integral part action—the point Jeffersonian philosophy marks intrusion. 59 whom DOUGLAS joins, 60 private doubt, either, enforcing indicating known availability opportunities. neither propositions resolves 61 question, simply, agency—local, state, federal—can tell print cannot. Amendments think Nation power.1 out, amenable criminal general applicability. nondiscriminatory taxation,2 imposed Act,3 Act,4 Act.5 short, businessman affecting businessmen generally. completely coverage Pittsburgh. approves today wholly different. dictating how 64 remotely supports decision. involved validity local sanitary prohibited streets matter.' applied owner tourist attraction drum up trade passing handbills streets. 'clear advertising. Whether, extent, promote pursue gainful occupation streets, extent shall adjudged derogation user, judgment.' retain facts,6 certainly stand proposition hat surely laid rest 686.7 So far know, enter composing room dictate makeup pages. fear last. camel's nose tent. 'It obnoxious thing mildest repulsive form; illegitimate unconstitutional get footing way. Boyd 116 616, 635, 524, 535, 746. Members set 'values' balanced 'values,' remain jeopardy. Paris Adult Theatre Slaton, 49, 2628, 446 (First protections outweighed 'quality life,' 'total community environment,' 'tone commerce,' 'public safety'); claim asserted newsman maintain confidential relationship sources obligation give grand jury); 748, 2158, (Burger, C.J., dissenting) judicial problems caused 'unseemly haste'); Columbia System, Democratic Committee, 412 94, 99, 2080, 2131, 772 (Brennan, J., (balancing 'the competing interests'). 67 goal laudable is. But, words Brandeis, 'Experience teach guard protect liberty government's beneficent. Men born naturally alert repel invasion evil-minded rulers. greatest dangers lurk insidious men zeal, well-meaning understanding.' Olmstead 277 438, 479, 564, 572, 944 (dissenting And, once motives behind good. (h) istory urges good burning 'witches." Beauharnais Illinois, 343 274, 725, 739, 919 68 force policy. decision, why conform achieve goals thought socially desirable. today, prevent tomorrow? Those subordinated desirable interests hail today's find frightening. guarantee recatory. command allowed lay heavy hand country. 70 BLACKMUN, 71 substantially reasons opinion. subscribe contained paragraph constitutes second page 2567, supra. text amendment adding list proscribed classifications, 410a—436a. These reproduced 299a—333a. ads, Appendix infra, 392—393. Order forth Petition Certiorari, 1a 18a. that: '5. inserted. '6. When column, asks wants inserts jobs—male jobs—female accordingly.' 16a. id., 19a. argues due process rational draws attention disclaimer beginning columns: Seekers' suffices dispose noting commonsense two connected 236a—239a. Hailes Air Lines, 464 F.2d 1006, 1009 (CA5 1972). Guidelines Federal Opportunity similar conclusion. CFR 1604.4. Jones Opelika, 890, 1290 (1943); Murdock 105, 870, 1292 (1943). questioning oral argument, counsel only: 'Now, I'm prepared answer company money (want ads) not. suspect does. They want-ads, lot course; profitable.' Tr. Oral Arg. 10. Head Mexico Board, 374 424, 83 1759, 983 (1963), station optometrists' law. raised lower courts, Ocurt appellant's challenge. 432 n. 12, 1764. State Broadcasters Assn. 990 (CA2 1969), cert. denied, 396 1061, 752, 755 (1970) (refusing strike broadcasts promoting lottery). Note, Freedom Expression Context, 78 Harv.L.Rev. 1191, 1195—1196 (1965). Mitchell, 582, 593 (D.C.1971) (Wright, dissenting); Camp-of-the-Pines, 184 Misc. 389, N.Y.S.2d 475 (1945). Brief Amicus Curiae Newspaper Publishers Association 32. CHIEF JUSTICE danger 'subject guess.' Infra, 397. punish contempt. concludes violated, certify Solicitor, invoke appropriate impose (a fine $300) both.' Ordinance; Pet. Cort. 103a. fundamentally, regard exemptions treatment violative opinions relying faith representation exception review stress 'permits inserted.' finding, disprove Press' uses acknowledges, 'does columns.' 384. became actively selecting presumably headings. enough situation hypothesized 'notice' transactions caption. now, situations entirely blatant involvement transaction. statement 'Commission contempt,' 390 14, hardly reassuring setting. left assurance request nature. helpful caveat score. However, weighty presumption seems traditionally Alexander Meiklejohn primarily intellectual aristocrats knowledge solely fun game, search truth curiosity equally delight pride mental achievement. thinking welfare. offers plan advocate incite corporate tells idea value consideration, whatever involves. man advocating conscription opposing it, favor war defending democracy attacking planning communist reconstruction criticising active participation abridged. basic postulate society governed votes citizens.' Free Speech Relation Self-Government 45—46 (1948). imperil military Nation, e.g., sailing dates transports number location troops.' 716, 631, 1357. V. 660; 112, 874, 1292. 132—133, 655—656, 953. 192—193, 497, 614; 607. 2013; 155—157, 187—188, 162; 139, 931, 148. Douglas (Chrestensen) ruling casual, almost offhand. survived reflection.' Cammarano 358 498, 514, 79 534, 462 must, column.' 386. preclude justifies arguing taken 'character advertisement' combination 'an statement.' stark

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