ALA has joined other groups in signing a letter written by the government-watchdog organization OMB Watch urging President Clinton to veto a bill that would expand criminal penalties for government employees who leak secrets.
The Intelligence Authorization Act (H.R. 4392), which has been described as an American version of Britain’s Official Secrets Act, includes a provision that makes the disclosure of any information that the executive branch says is properly classified a felony punishable by up to three years in prison. Critics warn that the measure could be used against whistle-blowers and the media.
ALA’s Washington Office has also signed a petition asking Congress to delay implementation of the measure until 2002. Lynne Bradley, director of ALA’s Office of Government Relations, noted that the bill was passed on October 12 by an unannounced voice vote, with no hearing held beforehand.
Poste November 6, 2000.