Smut-filter stalemate continues in Sacramento

The existing policy of providing differing levels of filters for Internet-connected computers at the 27 locations of the Sacramento Public Library system will continue for now, after the district's operating board deadlocked 7-7 on plans to abandon any attempt to prevent anyone from accessing X-rated material and worse.

The vote continues the stalemate between the ACLU, which is seeking to remove any existing porn filters and use taxpayer money to buy expensive porn-viewing computer desks, and pro-family groups whose leaders have expressed a desire to restore a safe environment to the libraries.

Voting to create a more child-friendly atmosphere in the facilities were Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli, Isleton Councilwoman Elizabeth Samano, Sacramento County Supervisor Robert MacGlashan, Rancho Cordova Councilman David Sander, Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, Elk Grove Councilwoman Sophia Scherman and Citrus Heights Councilman Jeff Slowey.

"People are shocked to learn that sex addicts are viewing pornography, violent rape images and even child pornography every day at the library," said Randy Thomasson, president of Campaign for Children and Families.

He said sex addicts even have been reported pursuing sexual acts in libraries.

"What parent would want their children to be in this disgusting environment?" he asked.

He cited for the board the 2003 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court affirming the Children's Internet Protect Act, which means libraries can impose a zero-tolerance pornography policy without First Amendment violations.

"You don't need battling attorneys to tell you what the law says," he said. "Just read the Supreme Court decision which says a library is not a public forum and that libraries don't have to provide any pornography unless they want to."

He cited for the board a policy from Rochester, N.Y., which blocks sexually explicit websites while still leaving a door open for legitimate research.

"Libraries should adopt this model policy that uses the latest technology," he said.

Support for stricter filters even came from within the library system.

Gerald Ward, who has spent 18 years in the library system and now works as a reference librarian, said the explicit images he's been exposed to have left him sickened.

"I have images locked in my head that I can't get rid of," said Ward, "because the current policy allows any adult to view any kind of pornography. The library cannot allow pornography on its premises and continue to present itself as a safe and healthy place. The board has a legal and moral responsibility to prohibit people from using library computers to view pornographic images."

Voting against any additional restrictions were Sacramento Vice Mayor Kevin McCarty, Sacramento Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell, Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, Sacramento Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy, Linda Kimura who was representing County Supervisor Jimmy Yee, Sacramento Councilman Ray Tretheway and Sacramento Councilman Robbie Waters.

Thomasson told WND that the library status now means there are filters for children, but those are removed any time an adult requests, and that leaves a virtual open door to the Internet.

The issue first was addressed several weeks ago, when the American Civil Liberties Union said restricting public access to pornography in libraries would be unconstitutional.

Attorneys for the Pacific Justice Institute, however, disagreed.

Matthew Reynolds, a PJI staff attorney, argued that the issue comes down to two main concerns – taxpayer subsidization of pornography and public safety.

"The Constitution doesn't require that we pay for public access to porn," he said. "It may require, at least under current interpretation, to be allowed in homes, but not that you and I pay for it.

"This issue boils down to protecting kids and using public resources responsibly," McReynolds continued. "Inviting sexual predators into libraries by providing free access to pornography has proven tragic for kids in San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, and many other cities. We cannot let that happen in Sacramento. Benjamin Franklin would be rolling over in his grave if he knew that 'free speech' was being used to justify turning libraries into adult entertainment venues."

McReynolds explained that incidences of sexual assault have taken place across the country in public libraries, because sexual predators are attracted to the free access to porn and have committed assault on children after viewing it.

"Undercover, investigative type reporting has found that sexual offenses are taking place in public libraries," McReynolds said. "Offenders sit down, go to porn websites, and next thing you know they are fondling themselves, or in the worst cases assaulting kids in the bathroom. It's absolutely a horrendous situation.

"It creates a public safety disaster," McReynolds said. "It does that by making porn available to sex offenders in public libraries, traditionally safe havens for kids."

Brad Dacus, the president of Pacific Justice Institute, stated his objection to the issue of requiring taxpayers to fund porn access in a press release available on the PJI website.

"The notion that taxpayers must subsidize the viewing of internet porn is absurd," Dacus said. "Libraries should be safe havens for learning, not magnets for sex addicts. The Library Board should be more concerned about potential liability from failing to adequately protect innocent children than from failing to please the ACLU."