New York, N.Y., May 16, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed a Federal Court of Appeals decision calling the online posting of "specifically identifiable and personal information about healthcare providers who perform abortions," a true threat against these doctors, therefore making it not protected by the First Amendment. The Web site crossed out the names of those doctors who had been killed or wounded.

"While the League vigorously supports free speech, the Ninth Circuit majority was correct in saying that this Web site constitutes a true threat," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This ruling affirms that cyberspace is not immune from the well-settled rules that govern speech and threats."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.