1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed 'Anticorruption of Public Morals Act'. This bill, if enacted, would severely undermine our fundamental rights to free speech and access to information while potentially targeting vulnerable communities, including transgender individuals. The act's broad definitions of "prohibited material" and sweeping censorship mandates are deeply concerning. By requiring internet service providers to implement mandatory filtering, the bill effectively creates a system of prior restraint, which has long been considered unconstitutional. This approach not only threatens free expression but also risks over-censoring legitimate content, including educational resources and support networks crucial for marginalized groups. Of particular concern is the potential impact on the transgender community. The vague language around "pornographic material" and content that "corrupts public morals" could be weaponized to silence transgender voices, censor gender-affirming information, and restrict access to vital healthcare resources. This would exacerbate the already significant challenges faced by transgender individuals in accessing accurate information and support. The bill's creation of a special enforcement division within the Department of Attorney General, coupled with severe criminal penalties and civil fines, creates a chilling effect on free speech. It incentivizes overcensorship by internet platforms and service providers, who may err on the side of removing content to avoid penalties. This could disproportionately affect marginalized communities who rely on the internet for connection, education, and advocacy. Moreover, the prohibition on "circumvention tools" could criminalize privacy-protecting technologies that are essential for journalists, activists, and vulnerable individuals to safely access information and communicate online. I urge you to reject this misguided and potentially unconstitutional legislation. Instead, I ask that you focus on policies that protect free speech, promote digital literacy, and support marginalized communities, including transgender individuals. Our democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, not on censorship and moral policing. Please stand against this act and any similar attempts to restrict our digital freedoms.