By Maira Magro
After media and journalism groups strongly criticized the anti-racism bill that passed the Chamber of Deputies last week, the Senate has invited journalists to discuss the issue today (Sept. 16), Los Tiempos reports.
The controversy stems from language in the bill that could fine or close down media outlets that distribute stories that are considered racist: “media outlets that empower or publish racist or discriminatory ideas could be subject to fines and the suspension of their operating license,” the law says. The National Press Association (ANP), the National Bolivian Journalists Association (ANPB), and the Bolivian Broadcasting Association argued that the law violates free expression and promotes censorship.
According to La Prensa, lawmakers have said they are open to changing the text and journalism organizations are working on alternative proposals to replace the controversial articles.
Note from the editor: This story was originally published by the Knight Center’s blog Journalism in the Americas, the predecessor of LatAm Journalism Review.
