The Newberg Graphic
| Nelson joins in bill’s support | ||||
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| State representative defends bill prohibiting use of sexual materials | ||||
State Rep. Donna Nelson has joined state Rep. Andy Olson in criticizing a lawsuit challenging House Bill 2843. The bill prohibits the use of sexual materials to target minors. The challenge is being brought by a coalition of Portland book stores, including Powell's, as well as Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon. The ACLU advised the legislature on the wording of the law. "Unfortunately, the legislature didn't take our advice," said David Fidanque, executive director of the ACLU of Oregon. "(The) language is overbroad and vague. "Instead they wrote a law that sweeps in a lot of people who aren't involved in activities harmful to minors, and a lot of material that is not harmful to minors," he said. Fidanque said the law as it is currently written could be used to prosecute people furnishing age appropriate sex education publications to children under 13. He said that the law would have a "chilling effect" on freedom of speech because book stores could stop carrying that kind of material. "We believe this law is clearly unconstitutional," he said. "It is my hope that parents, educators and other concerned citizens will let the governor and court know we are going to protect our children! This is a good and needed bill!" Nelson wrote in a press release. The bill passed 57-2 in the House and 28-1 in the Senate. | ||||
