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Totally Unnecessary Library Anti-Porn Bill Introduced
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published May 16, 2011
Modified May 16, 2011
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photo by Flickr user Lori Foxworth
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published May 16, 2011
Modified May 16, 2011
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Remember how some people are really convinced that kids are watching tons of porn at the library? And how that's not actually the case, like, at all? Well, turns out a few Councilmen didn't get the message, and they're introducing a bill that would make it a misdemeanor to watch porn within 100 feet of a child in a public library.
Council Members David G. Greenfield and Eric Ulrich were spurred to sponsor the bill "to protect minors from sexual predators who are accessing pornography on the Internet in full view of children," after New York's public libraries supposedly "refused to use Internet filters to block pornographic websites from view." But we could have sworn that the library's computers are fitted with privacy screens and do have a filter, one that's so strong it actually sometimes blocks even non-porn websites by accident!
Furthermore, "I have had a number of outraged constituents call me about their children encountering perverts viewing pornography in full view of library patrons," claims Councilman Greenfield. We're still awaiting comment from the Brooklyn libraries, but Queens Library spoksewoman Joanne King says the libraries receive "so few complaints about this issue that it's practically nonexistent," echoing similar feedback made by the NYPL.
What's next, Councilmen? Taking art books off of shelves because they show a bit of nipple? "l am a strong supporter of our public libraries and the value and rich experiences that they provide to New Yorkers," said Councilman Greenfield. "Part of that experience, however, should not be traumatizing children by exposing them to sexual predators and debasing pornography." We agree: that's what middle school is for.
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library
new york public library
nypl
Porn
privacy
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Jamie Feldmar
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