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  RI repeals law that made it a crime to fib online
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ContributorRP 
Last EditedRP  Jun 27, 2012 11:44am
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CategoryProposed Legislation
AuthorDAVID KLEPPER
MediaWebsite - Yahoo News
News DateWednesday, June 27, 2012 12:00:00 AM UTC0:0
DescriptionIf you've ever lied to a potential Internet date about your weight, texted your spouse that you were someplace you weren't or emailed mom to say how much you love that ugly new sweater, you were breaking the law if you did it in Rhode Island.

But state lawmakers have now decided that white lies online should no longer be a crime. The General Assembly voted this month to repeal an obscure 1989 law that made fibbing on the Internet a misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $500 and as much as a year in prison. Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the measure.

"This law made virtually the entire population of Rhode Island a criminal," said Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union. "When this bill was enacted nobody had any idea what its ramifications were. Telling fibs may be wrong, but it shouldn't be criminal activity."
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