A federal judge called a Louisiana law banning certain sex offenders from Facebook and other social networking sites a “constitutionally problematic” statute, but he didn’t decide Wednesday whether to throw out the prohibition that took effect in August. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson, based in Baton Rouge, heard arguments from a lawyer representing two convicted sex offenders, who are seeking to overturn the law, and from the attorney general’s office defending the statute. The judge said he’d make a ruling after final arguments are filed by Nov. 23. Lawmakers, backed by Gov. Bobby Jindal, passed the ban earlier this year, saying it was designed to keep sex offenders from preying on children in online forums. The law, sponsored by Rep. Ledricka Thierry, D-Opelousas, makes it a crime for those convicted of a sex offense against a minor or video voyeurism to use networking websites, chat rooms and peer-to-peer networks. Probation and parole officers and judges can make exceptions. The ACLU of Louisiana says the law is too broad and violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Conviction of the crime of unlawful use or access of social media carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. A second conviction requires a prison sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years. One person in East Baton Rouge Parish has been charged with violating the new law, says Kurt Wall of the attorney general’s office, but the case hasn’t been prosecuted yet.
Today’s poll question: Do you think the new law banning certain sex offenders from Facebook and other social networking sites should be upheld?
