Anonymous Free Speech at Issue in Maine Case

Maine law forbids anonymity and specifically targets online expression

Today, the ACLU of Maine Foundation defended the free speech rights of Dennis Bailey, creator of the anonymous political blog "The Cutler Files," in oral arguments before the U.S. District Court in Portland. Bailey's suit challenges the constitutionality of two Maine restrictions on political speech: one which requires political speakers to disclose their identity, and another which excludes blogs and other internet speech from the "news story" exemption to political speech regulations.  Bailey was found to have violated Maine election law and was fined $200 by the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices.  The ACLU of Maine believes that the fine violates Bailey's right to free speech.