Posted on April 3, 2012

An Arizona bill has passed in state legislature to make online bullying and some other speech an illegal and punishable offense, but it has opponents saying if made into law it would set a precedent that would lead to online censorship.

A local ABC News affiliate reports that the bill has not yet made it to the governor’s desk for a signature as it is “likely being reworked due to a public outcry.” Watch ABC 15′s report:

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Arizona House Bill 2549 states:

“It is unlawful for any person, with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend, to use a any electronic or digital device and use any obscene, lewd or profane language or suggest any lewd or lascivious act, or threaten to inflict physical harm to the person or property of any person.” [Emphasis added]

If it were to become law, violators could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. The punishment becomes more weighty — a Class 3 felony — if any sort of stalking is involved. Gizmodo explains these punishments could mean up to six months in jail and a $250,000 fine (Class 1 misdemeanor), or a minimum of 2.5 years up to 25 years in jail (Class 3 felony).

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/anti-troll-or-censorship-az-law-would-criminalize-harsh-words-on-the-web/

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