Posted on 02/04/2010 9:14:47 PM PST by newbie2008
Sabriel writes "If you're online in South Australia and want to comment about the upcoming state election, be prepared to hand over your real name and postcode first — because this month it becomes illegal to do so anonymously (even under a pseudonym). Media organizations must keep your details on file for six months and face 'fines of $5000 if they do not hand over this information to the Electoral Commissioner.' This abomination was passed with the support of both major parties (Labour and Liberal), and to quote its sponsor, Attorney-General Michael Atkinson, 'There is no impinging on freedom of speech, people are free to say what they wish as themselves, not as somebody else.' Apparently incapable of targeting a few impostors without resorting to 'nuke it from orbit' legislative tactics, Atkinson has forgotten that protecting anonymity is important to the democratic process; hopefully both major parties will get a reminder come the polls on March 20."
Ping, mate.
This makes Oz very ugly. Of course Ozzians can keep on blogging on FR....
It does show the difference between the USA and Australia as we have neither a bill of rights nor "1 st amendment".
Already dealt with.......the people weren’t about to put up with this.
“ATTORNEY-GENERAL Michael Atkinson will move immediately to repeal controversial laws which sparked an outcry over censorship of the internet.
After backing down late last night to say the laws would not be put into effect, Mr Atkinson told reporters he would follow the advice of Opposition legal affairs spokeswoman Vickie Chapman and use a section of the Electoral Act to immediately repeal the section.”
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/victory-atkinson-loosens-gag/story-e6frea6u-1225826104175
“It does show the difference between the USA and Australia as we have neither a bill of rights nor “1 st amendment”.”
But you’ve got Tim Blair, and that’s almost as good.....
first no RKBA and now no free speech. Sounds like australia is turning into a penal colony again.
Better is that we have Andrew Bolt! http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/andrewbolt/
Stifling the www? Online Freedom of Speech Act (H.R. 1606)
"1606 is needed because federal courts have ordered the Federal Election Commission to regulate "electioneering communications" on the Internet because of the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (McCain-Feingold). If H.R. 1606 fails to become law, your Web site or blog could be shut down for the 30 days prior to a primary election and the 60 days prior to a general election should you express "electioneering communications."
John McCain, enemy of free speech
Well, it may cut down on slander and libel.
If the law applies to everyone equally, I can see where it might be valid.
I suppose all adults should own their opinions and stand behind their statements.
I can see some instances where witnesses to violent crimes might get to remain anonymous. But this is not the case, here.
you don’t think you would be targeted for your beliefs ?Either by the state or private citizens who disagree with you? Violently or financially?
Yes, I think that is a danger.
I supposed wack liberals could be persecuted, too. We could all be persecuted.
I am not sure how best to avoid libel and slander, though.
This sounds like the product of some very spiteful and fearful politicians.
I’m Australian, and this disgusts me.
You cannot expect people to make valid, but politically incorrect statements, with their name and identity on, and not expect them to be persecuted for holding those views.
This law is uncalled for, uncouth, and an abomination to everything modern Australia has stood for.
They got your guns. It is only a matter of time now.
Post your real name and address right here, right now.
Good thing we didn’t do that to Cato or Publius.
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