Censorship in New Jersey

Center Field is reporting on a disturbing legislative attempt in New Jersey to ban anonymous commenting on the internet. If passed it could have a stifling effect on blogs.

Blue Jersey has more details. It seems that...

Assemblyman Peter Biondi (R-Somerset) has introduced a bill (A-1327) that if passed would: 1. Require that every user of this site provide us with their real name and address. 2. Require us to turn over this information to anyone who claims to have had "false or defamatory" information posted about them. 3. Make us liable for any damages if we don't follow the measures in the bill.

However the NJSC has already ruled that banning anonymous online speech is unconstitutional. And a 1960 USSC ruling upholding the right to anonymous pamphleteering is legal. And what is a blog if not an electronic pamphlet?

The impetus for this bill appears to be Biondi's unhappiness with the political free-for-all atmosphere at the New Jersey Star-Ledger's online forum.