Library Filters Become Issue in Illinois
Secretary of State Race
In Illinois, the secretary of state also serves as the state librarian; that's why the issue of Internet filters in libraries has surfaced in the November 3 election, reported the Chicago Tribune October 22.
"The idea of allowing children to access hard-core pornography in our libraries is shocking," said Republican nominee Al Salvi, who supports legislation that would require state-funded computers to be filtered.
However, Salvi's Democratic opponent, Jesse White, opposes the measure. "I think it speaks to First Amendment issues," White said. "I'd rather leave it up to the librarians to discourage kids from using the Internet for pornographic materials. They're the professionals, so I'm going to leave it up to them."
Salvi also supported legislation, successfully opposed by library groups, to allow Illinois counties to set their own local obscenity standards. White opposes the proposal, citing problems it would pose for libraries that share resources.
Posted October 26, 1998.
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