Amends Oregon Constitution. Oregon Constitution now protects the "right to speak, write, or print freely on any subject." The Oregon Supreme Court has held that provision protects obscenity. United States Constitution's free speech provision does not currently protect obscenity. Measure would state that "obscenity, including child pornography," may receive no greater protection than under United States Constitution. Measure thus would remove Oregon Constitution's current protection for obscenity. Measure would limit state judges'; authority to interpret free speech provision as applied to obscenity, including child pornography.
Source for Popular Vote data: Oregon Secretary of State. Official Results- State Measure No. 31- November 5, 1996 General Election, Oregon Secretary of State (http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/nov596/results/m31.htm) (accessed 14 May 2007)