provider for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons.
Plaintiff the Naturist Action Committee ("NAC") is the nonprofit
political arm of the Naturist Society, a private organization
that promotes a way of life characterized by the practice of
nudity. The NAC Web site provides information about Naturist
Society activities and about state and local laws that may affect
the rights of Naturists or their ability to practice Naturism,
and includes nude photographs of its members.


Plaintiff Wayne L. Parker was the Libertarian candidate in
the 2000 U.S. Congressional election for the Fifth District of
Mississippi (and is running again in 2002). He publishes a Web
site that communicates information about his campaign and that
provides information about his political views and the
Libertarian Party to the public. Plaintiff Jeffrey Pollock was
the Republican candidate in the 2000 U.S. Congressional election
for the Third District of Oregon. He operates a Web site that is
now promoting his candidacy for Congress in 2002.
3. The Internet
1. Background
As we noted at the outset, the Internet is a vast,
interactive medium consisting of a decentralized network of
computers around the world. The Internet presents low entry
barriers to anyone who wishes to provide or distribute
information. Unlike television, cable, radio, newspapers,
magazines or books, the Internet provides an opportunity for
those with access to it to communicate with a worldwide audience
at little cost. At least 400 million people use the Internet
worldwide, and approximately 143 million Americans were using the