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."
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ABout time for Aussie to start reading Claire Wolf...
Then again, maybe you never needed them before now.
I said if the law applies to EVERYONE EQUALLY.
I think if it were a law, as I said before, it should apply to everyone EQUALLY. Not just me.
I don’t want any laws for just me and have never advocated for that.
I’m not actually advocating for this law, either, just thinking about the cowardice of the libel etc. I have seen that no one takes any responsibility for. I am not sure what the right solution is for that.
What is the solution, then, for adults who print and tout as fact libelous and slanderous lies? Is there no recourse for people who are accused in the media?
I don’t know that this law is the answer but I think the issue is important.
Let’s look at it like this:
What if you recognise the flaw of Islam, and want to criticise their culture and faith? In Australia today, doing so could get you in trouble with the rights commissions.
A far more serious threat would be a Muslim nutjob tracking you down and attempting an assassination. Without anonymity, none of the above can be done safely.
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