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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The state is fighting a challenge to a new Utah law that requires Internet service providers to give customers a way to block porn sites.
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff filed a motion in federal court today to dismiss a November lawsuit by the "Free Speech Coalition," a trade association for the adult entertainment industry.
The coalition contends the Utah law, which took effect in July, violates the Constitution's guarantee of free speech. It also contends the law's definition of objectionable material is too vague to enforce.
But Shurtleff says the Constitution does not allow pornographers to send materials to parents and children once they have asked not to receive it.
The Utah Child Protection Registry allows parents to sign up their children's e-mail addresses to block advertising for pornography, illegal or prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, firearms and fireworks.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
