IP Democracy: Christians (and Moby) for Net Neutrality

In the strange bedfellows department, the concept of network neutrality has gained two new supporters. The first: the Christian Coalition of America, which has the boring yet offensive tagline of “America’s Leading Grassroots Organization Defending Our G-dly Heritage.”

The Coalition announced today it supports network neutrality laws. Chairperson Roberta Combs raised a good point (whether political speech might be affected by broadband providers’ two-tiered Internet plans) using an ugly example. In a statement Mrs. Combs said:

“Under the new rules, there is nothing to stop the cable and phone companies from not allowing consumers to have access to speech that they don’t support. What if a cable company with a pro-choice Board of Directors decides that it doesn’t like a pro-life organization using its high-speed network to encourage pro-life activities? Under the new rules, they could slow down the pro-life web site, harming their ability to communicate with other pro-lifers - and it would be legal.”

On a lighter note, the musician Moby (yes, the musician Moby) has thrown his weight behind Rep. Ed Markey’s proposed network neutrality legislation. In fact, Moby, Markey and SaveTheInternet.com will be hosting a press conference tomorrow at 1 pm to announce a new initiative “Artists and Musicians for Internet Freedom.”

Posted by Cynthia Brumfield on May 17, 2006 6:59 PM to IP Democracy