Media groups say new pornography law is unconstitutional

WORTHINGTON, Ohio - An anti-pornography law that prosecutors say is aimed only at sexual predators could affect mainstream literature and movies, says a group that sued to overturn the measure yesterday, hours after Gov. Bob Taft signed it.

The law adds computer images to the list of possible ways to display sexually explicit material and other content deemed "harmful to juveniles." But opponents say the law is unconstitutional.

"The lawyers are telling us ... in all likelihood they believe the Ohio law will be sustained," Taft said yesterday after signing the bill at City Hall in this Columbus suburb.

"This bill leaves no doubt: If you exploit children in Ohio through any medium, you will be punished," Taft said.

Attorneys for a Dayton bookstore owner, Ohio Newspaper Association, Video Software Dealers of America and others filed a challenge yesterday in U.S. District Court in Dayton. The group said the definition of "harmful" is too broad and unfairly applies Ohio standards to the Internet, a global medium.

"It covers violence," said Michael Bamberger, an attorney for the opponents.  "It covers glamorization of crime. It covers brutality. It covers many things, all of which are First Amendment protected."