What the decision stops is, state laws preventing sex offenders -as a class of offenders- from posting on social media sites. However that does not stop a specific site (i.e., FB) from saying, we will not allow posts from a known sex offenders.8-8-17 Washington DC:
In a unanimous decision today, the Supreme Court overturned a North Carolina law (a state law)that prevents sex offenders from posting on social media where children may be present, saying it "inadmissibly restricts lawful speech." In doing so, the Supreme Court affirmed what we all know to be true: publication is essential for the survival of the republic.
The court ruled that "preventing access to social networks together is to prevent the user from engaging in the legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights." The court correctly noted that "one of the most important places to exchange opinions is cyberspace."
In 2002, when the petitioner, Lester Gerard Packingham was 21, he was convicted of having sex with a 13-year-old girl. In 2010, Packingham published an update on Facebook: "Man, God is good! How about I get so much favor that they dropped the ticket before the court, did they even start?" No fine, no court costs, nothing spent. Louise is GOD, WOW! Thank you, Jesus! "
This publication has led to an indictment and conviction under state law, making it a crime for sex offenders to access social networking sites that allow children to create accounts. ..Continued..
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