The debate over civil liberties rages on in American society and culture, but the concept of limits still intrudes itself.
The decision of the New York Public Library systems to allow patrons to log on to pornography websites on library computers in their areas subject to public access is causing a stir over the extent of freedom of speech limits.
Does a person who is over 18 years of age have the right to access pornography websites on his or her own computer? The answer clearly is YES!
Should any person have the right to access such websites on a public library computer within view and sound of other patrons? The answer clearly is NO!
Pornography is something that is a private matter and should remain that.
No one should be subjected to other people’s views or tastes on sexuality, as it is offensive to many people, and children under 18 could be easily exposed to such websites while in the library, with or without their parents being present.
It is a question of common decency and public behavior, not an issue of freedom of speech. No one is saying that there is any justification or method to eliminate all pornography websites, but it most definitely is a question of common sense and sensitivity to the rights of those who do not wish to witness such sites within their hearing or viewing.
This issue will not go away, and assuredly, the American Civil Liberties Union will fight this matter in court.
It would not be surprising if such a case reached the Supreme Court at some point, and one cannot be certain as to how the high Court would react.
But in the mind of the author, if he were on the Supreme Court, he would vote to ban such pornography in public libraries as unacceptable to the general public, and make clear that sexuality is a private matter, not to be displayed in such a venue as a public library, a place for all citizens and non citizens alike, to enlighten and educate the population and promote their advancement.
So again, no one is out to ban pornography, which would be impossible anyway, but to ban it in public libraries in sight or sound of the vast majority of people who would find it objectionable in that venue!