WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), Lois Capps (CA-23), and Hilda Solis (CA-32) today issued the following statement regarding the policy reversal by Verizon Wireless to reject a text messaging code application from Naral Pro-Choice America.

“We commend Verizon Wireless for quickly moving to change this policy.  Denying a leading women’s health organization’s application for a text messaging short code was just wrong.  Freedom of information is vital to keeping our democracy strong, and it is inexcusable for any telecommunications company to censor messages due to the personal politics or ideology of the member group. All Americans should be allowed to use innovative communication technologies to encourage open dialogue and civic participation across America.”

Verizon Wireless originally claimed that it had the right to block “controversial or unsavory” text messages when they rejected a request from Naral Pro-Choice America, the reproductive rights group, to make Verizon’s mobile network available for a text-message program. The company reversed course this morning, saying it had made a mistake.

###

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.