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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMissouri Library Blocks Access to Websites about Wicca, Native American Religion
Missouri Library Blocks Access to Websites about Wicca, Native American Religion
The city of Salem, Missouri, is being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for blocking access at its library to websites about minority religions.
Using the Netsweeper filtering program, library officials had classified information pertaining to the Wicca Church, Native American spirituality and astrology as occult or criminal. Those wishing to look at such websites were subject to being reported to local authorities. Librarian Glenda Wofford grudgingly allowed patron Anaka Hunter to view one page about prominent Native American women,
Its unbelievable that I should have to justify why I want to access completely harmless websites on the Internet simply because they discuss a minority viewpoint, Hunter, the patron represented by the ACLU, said in a prepared statement. Its wrong and demeaning to deny access to this kind of information.
http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/Missouri_Library_Blocks_Access_to_Websites_about_Wicca_Native_American_Religion_120105
whathehell
(28,968 posts)living in a semi-rural area of Blue State Illinois, but there's at least enough
sanity state-wide to insure this nonsense doesn't get much play here.
SpiralHawk
(32,944 posts)Land grabbing and culture shafting are Republicon Family Values. They don't want to be reminded of their Eeeeevil actions.
But there is no escaping karma.
mainer
(12,013 posts)I think witch-hunting went out of style way back, but Salem, MO hasn't figured that out yet.
snagglepuss
(12,704 posts)MountainLaurel
(10,271 posts)Hell Hath No Fury
(16,327 posts)Seriously, if this is a public library, how can they legally do that? Shit, here in SF you can go to a public library and view porn online.
The Straight Story
(48,121 posts)MountainLaurel
(10,271 posts)If you want to receive federal technology dollars. Unforunately, most of the computer filtering software is produced by reich-wing nutbags. Librarians can override the filters, as the woman in this case eventually did, but it can be a PITA on a busy day or subject to personal opinion (as also demonstrated in this case).
Quantess
(27,630 posts)Salem, Missouri? Do they burn witches there, or what?
cally
(21,589 posts)hootinholler
(26,449 posts)I doubt they will remain one.
redqueen
(115,096 posts)It must be a christian thing. WTF
The Genealogist
(4,723 posts)Dent County is VERY conservative, as is pretty much all of southern Missouri.