In a stand against government encroachment on online communication channels, the Libertarian Party of Georgia unanimously adopted a pivotal resolution during their Executive Committee Meeting on May 8, 2023.
Setting a Precedent for Communication Freedom
In a world increasingly dependent on digital communication, the party’s commitment to freedom of speech was given fresh impetus with the passing of “A Resolution to Oppose Government Interference in Channels of Communication.” This resolution seeks to ensure the continued uninhibited flow of information and ideas across different media, without the looming specter of governmental control.
The Rationale Behind the Resolution
Proposed by Brian Allen, the resolution draws its strength from the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the corresponding Article from Georgia’s State Constitution, both of which ensure the inviolability of free speech. The resolution further underscores that the term ‘speech’ encompasses written and electronic communication in addition to verbal exchanges.
Reaffirming the Party’s Ideals
The resolution’s adoption showcases the Libertarian Party of Georgia’s unwavering stance in championing free expression and resisting government regulation or control of communication platforms and technology. This not only reaffirms their long-standing political philosophy but also aligns the party with the Supreme Court’s decision in Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union, which applies free speech guarantees to internet-distributed content.
A Stance Against the RESTRICT Act
In a decisive move, the resolution opposes the passage of the RESTRICT Act, a bill proposing to give the Secretary of Commerce vast powers to regulate communication channels. By doing so, the Libertarian Party of Georgia has once again underscored its opposition to any attempts by government actors to regulate or control channels of communication.
A Strong Message Sent
The passage of this resolution underlines the party’s commitment to protecting the freedom of communication from potential government overreach. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Libertarian Party of Georgia’s dedication to the protection of civil liberties and their resistance against any form of government intrusion. The unanimous adoption of this resolution sends a clear message: Free communication channels are at the very heart of their political mission.
The text of the passed resolution is below:
A Resolution to Oppose Government Interference in Channels of Communication
Whereas the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibits the federal government from abridging the freedom of speech; and
Whereas Article I, Section I, Paragraph V of the Constitution of the State of Georgia states that no law shall be passed to curtail or restrain the freedom of speech; and
Whereas speech includes, but is not limited to, written and electronic communication, in addition to verbal communication; and
Whereas the platform of the Libertarian Party of Georgia states that we support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship, regulation, or control of communications media and technology; and
Whereas in the case of Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the guarantee of freedom of speech applies to material distributed through the Internet; and
Whereas there can be no freedom of speech if the government controls the channels of communication; and
Whereas both explicit and implicit threats of government regulation constitute forms of control; and
Whereas it has been documented in the Twitter Files that persons affiliated with the government, Democrats and Republicans alike, have sought to influence the policy of private companies operating channels of communication; and
Whereas the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act, also known as the RESTRICT Act, would grant the Secretary of Commerce expansive powers to regulate channels of communication if passed; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Libertarian Party of Georgia:
- opposes any and all attempts by government actors to regulate or otherwise control channels of communication, including the Internet and services operating over the Internet such as social media; and
- condemns the use of explicit and implicit threats by government actors to influence private actors operating channels of communication; and
- opposes the passage of the RESTRICT Act.
