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Ariz. bill says unlawful to 'annoy' others online

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizonans venturing online may want to think twice before leaving a comment on a website.

Words that someone could view as "annoying" or "offensive" on Facebook or Twitter, for example, could be deemed a criminal offense under a bi-partisan bill that's moving swiftly to Gov. J an B rewer's desk.

The bill would update telephone harassment and stalking laws by adding the use of computers or smartphones.

Supporters say the measure would help victims of online stalking and harassment whose cases have been dismissed in court because state law has not caught up with the technology.

"There's a bona fide need to protect people from one-on-one harassment," said Rep. Vic Williams, a Tucson Republican who helped sponsor the bill.

Critics say the proposal goes too far.

"Speaking to annoy or offend is not a crime," said David Horowitz, the executive director of the Media Coalition, a New York-based First Amendment advocacy group, adding that the measure is unconstitutionally broad.

Speaking to annoy or offend is not a crime," said David Horowitz, the executive director of the Media Coalition, a New York-based First Amendment advocacy group, adding that the measure is unconstitutionally broad.

If the bill becomes law, he said, speech done in satire, political debate or even sports trash talking could get people in unnecessary legal trouble.

"Somebody who posts on their Facebook page and they happen to be an Arizona Diamondbacks fan ... whoever their rivals are, they can say 'Hey your team stinks, and I hope you lose,'" Horowitz said.

"Is that an intent to offend or annoy? There's a lot of common banter this would potentially apply to," he said.

Full Article
http://news.yahoo.com/ariz-bill-says-unlawful-annoy-others-online-223900419.html