Balanced approach for online safety and LGBTQ+ access needed

Protecting Free Expression and Safe Online Spaces for All The proposed bill SB1125, known as the "Internet; material harmful to minors" bill, seeks to impose age verification requirements for accessing online content. While the stated intent is to protect minors, such measures risk infringing on free speech and disproportionately limiting access to important online resources for LGBTQ+ individuals. Age verification systems can be overly broad, censoring valuable educational and community-building content. Rather than blanket restrictions, a more nuanced approach allowing age-appropriate access with parental oversight would better balance concerns. Additionally, mandating ID submission raises privacy issues and could deter vulnerable groups from accessing supportive online spaces. I urge careful consideration of this bill's potential unintended consequences on LGBTQ+ youth and adults. Reasonable protections against explicit content are important, but not at the cost of censoring resources vital to marginalized communities. Exploring alternative solutions that safeguard free expression would better serve all Arizonans.