Continuing the one-step-forward, one-step-backward pattern that has characterized the cases examining the constitutionality of state sex offender registry statutes, the Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the provisions of the Illinois sex offender statute compelling disclosure of all “Internet identifiers” just a few weeks after the district court in Florida struck down, on First Amendment grounds, a virtually identical provision in the Florida statute.

Here’s the background: Mark Minnis was convicted of “criminal sexual abuse,” a misdemeanor, in 2010; he was 16 years old at the time, and his conviction was based on his having had sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 12 months probation, which he completed without incident.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2016/10/31/a-setback-for-first-amendment-protection-for-anonymous-speech/?utm_term=.3b47f82117b3

1 thought on “A setback for First Amendment protection for anonymous speech

  1. If the Founders were required to provide all meeting places frequented, pen names, and printing houses used, we wouldn’t have this republic for our current political class to destroy.

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