Matter of Public Importance Enters Internet Age

This afternoons matter of public importance discuss the issue of the impending Internet filter. Some arguments were predictable such as the 'slippery splope' of becoming similar to China or the accusation that those opposed are pro pedophilia. Others how ever took a different angle, such as the Member for Clayfield Tim Herrington, who saw the possibility of  accidental insult from inappropriate sites as enough reason to trade some freedom for some security. The Member for Nudgee defended Internet rights by high lighting the social, economic and cultural loses Internet censorship could potentially bring, especial in the prelude to a national broadband Internet network.

When members voted many abstained, but those who felt strongly enough chose to support the statement that,
"This YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament opposes any steps by the government to filter or restrict in any way the freedom of speech and information on the Internet regardless of the positive aspects the proponent's of filtering may suggest."