Ill. bill would criminalize filming fights to put online

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.

The video posted on Facebook showed a 12-year-old on the ground while another boy tried to stomp him, with classmates standing by, circling the two and recording the fight on their phones.

Neither boy was seriously hurt, but Republican Rep. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro in southern Illinois was so disturbed by the spectators’ behavior that she’s proposed a bill making it a crime to record fights to share online.

“Instead of getting help, they opened their cellphones,” said Bryant. “I just want to send a clear message that it is unacceptable to stage these fights or be a willing bystander.”

Bryant’s proposal, though, has prompted concerns about infringing on free-speech rights and unnecessarily criminalizing young people. Similar concerns have hindered lawmakers around the country who have tried in recent years to crack down on cyberbullies who take to social media to harass classmates. In addition, intent can be difficult to prosecute.