Search DISCOVERmagazine.com
CURRENT ISSUE
See inside the current issue of Discover Magazine
SUBSCRIBE
DIGITAL EDITIONS
RENEW | GIVE A GIFT
ARCHIVES
CUSTOMER SERVICE

BLOGS

« »

Google Battles the Christian Right On Abortion—and Quickly Rolls Over

By Melissa Lafsky | September 25, 2008 11:19 am

You still can’t get away with saying it in Hollywood, but after a lawsuit by a Christian anti-choice group, now you can smack it in the center of a Google ad. The New York Times reports that Google is now allowing religious organizations to buy ads in the search giant’s vast network that contain the keyword “abortion.” In the past, the search juggernaut had followed a policy of not selling the “abortion” keyword to religious groups—though it would allow other groups, including doctors offering abortions and resource sites like Our Bodies, Ourselves, to purchase ads with the keyword.

Enter Britain’s staunch anti-choice group the Christian Institute, which took its case to court after Google rejected its ad containing the following: “UK abortion law: Key news and views on abortion law from The Christian Institute.” The ad was referring to a bill before the House of Commons concerning potential abortion restrictions.

The case is a clear example of how messy things can get when you mix technology and sociopolitics, and Google did the prudent thing by rushing to a quick settlement (the terms are undisclosed) and capitulating in full—Christian groups can now have the word as long as their ads are “determined to be factual, and not graphic or emotional.” If Google wants to dodge monopolism fears, it needs to establish itself as a free and unbiased marketplace for ads. Still, it’s a tricky line to walk—in order to prove you’re not a monopoly, you must suspend all political convictions in the process.

CATEGORIZED UNDER: Science Goes to Washington
MORE ABOUT: abortion, contraception, google

Comments (50)

Links to this Post

  1. UK Baby Parenting | October 22, 2009
  2. piano sonata | February 15, 2010
  7. replica rolex

    Welcome to purchase online or contact us and we will be happy to provide you with the best quality service of replica rolex .
    replica watches paypal is loved by many young people.It’s one of hot items of our company.If you haven’t worn fake rolex watches you are missing out.They are fashiona and nice.

    December 24, 2009 at 3:45 am
  8. ugg outlet

    ugg new york so porpular,it like
    Straighteners in new york,so
    ugg outlet is very well.in china there are many
    ghd and
    uggs outlet.and I think you will like it!

    January 3, 2010 at 5:28 am
  9. ugg boots sale

    ugg boots sale-Warm ugg boots for all the family remain at the heart of our collection,find your favorite UGGs from stunning designs-ugg boots uk.
    ugg bailey button ugg bailey button
    UGG Nightfall Boots sale UGG Nightfall Boots sale
    classic tall ugg boots classic tall ugg boots

    nike

    January 5, 2010 at 3:46 am
  11. ugg boots

    I agree with you, I think it’s a good topic. So would you like the info about the
    cheap ugg boots
    ugg boots sale
    ugg boots
    air jordan shoes
    air jordans
    jordan shoes
    ugg boots uk

    January 6, 2010 at 10:29 pm
  12. xinxi

    We guarantee we provide the cheapest ghd, ghd Hair Straighteners,ghd straighteners, ghd hair tools in the market and 100% Quality Guarantee.

    January 7, 2010 at 9:39 pm
  14. antivirus spyware removal

    This post is epic. I am going to put this in the bookmarks before I misplace the link, I don’t think I’ll ever find my way back otherwise.

    January 10, 2010 at 3:07 pm
  16. Mauricio Auge

    Nice post. Keep up the good work

    January 16, 2010 at 6:52 pm
  18. adsadd

    The hands of the internet,shortened the distance between you and me.welcome to our online store.All the discount handbags and MBT shoes is the most fashionable ones.The christian louboutin shoes sell in christian louboutin sale and different kinds of christian louboutin,are fully displayed your charming temperament,we also have louis vuitton handbags and designer handbags,high quality guarantee with low price,all products of ugg boots,such as ugg classic short and ugg classic tall have the full size and the lowest price,the refined products with our sincerely service will win your smile!
    chanel purses tiffany jewelry louis vuitton keychain jimmy choo shoes louis vuitton shoes alexander mcqueen shoes dkny shoes yves Saint laurent shoes manoio blahnik pumps chanel shoes coach shoes dior shoes gucci shoesugg sheepskin boots Ugg Classic Tall Boots Chocolate UGG Classic Tall Boots Chestnut Sand UGG Classic Tall Boots Black UGG Classic Tall Boots Ugg Classic Tall Boots Grey Black UGG Nightfall Boots UGG Ascot UGG Ultra Tall UGG Ultra Short louboutin sale christian louboutin pumps Christian louboutin red sole shoes louboutin pigalle louboutin sandals christian louboutin wedges yves saint laurent shoes ysl shoes yvessaintlaurent louboutin bootss YVES Saint Laurent Cracking Leather Sandal Light Gold Yves Saint Laurent Foam Splint Sandals Pink Yves Saint Laurent Foam Splint Sandals Red Yves Saint Laurent Leather Sandals Silver Yves Saint Laurent Patent Leather Cage Boot Black YVES Saint Laurent Patent Leather Cage Sandals Black Yves Saint Laurent Patent Leather Sandals Red Yves Saint Laurent Patent Leather Sandals Red Yves Saint Laurent Patent Leather Sandals Yellow

    January 23, 2010 at 4:21 am
  19. abercrombie hoodies

    I really appreciate your help, it is very useful for me,you will get good grades!
    You will be successful.
    Abercrombie and Fitch Jeans
    Abercrombie and Fitch Pants
    Abercrombie and Fitch Tees

    January 26, 2010 at 3:25 am
  22. Bert Hermanus

    Great article. There’s a lot of good information here, though I did want to let you know something – I am running Mac OS X with the circulating beta of Firefox, and the layout of your blog is kind of funky for me. I can understand the articles, but the navigation doesn’t function so well.

    January 29, 2010 at 2:39 pm
  27. ugg boots london

    ugg boots london|ugg london
    We are the best online dealer,about all kinds of new ugg boots.Run retailing and wholesale trade wordwidely for years. Free Shipping And Customs,Super Sale Off Retailing,With 1Week Delivery to your door.

    ugg bailey button boots ugg bailey button boots
    UGG Nightfall Boots sale UGG Nightfall Boots sale
    classic tall ugg boots classic tall ugg boots
    bailey button ugg bailey button ugg
    button ugg boots button ugg boots
    ugg button boots ugg button boots

    February 4, 2010 at 2:28 am
  28. Pit Silas

    Thanks for writing about this. There’s a heap of solid tech info on the internet. You’ve got a lot of that info here on your site. I’m impressed – I try to keep a couple blogs pretty on-going, but it’s a struggle sometimes. You’ve done a big job with this one. How do you do it?

    February 4, 2010 at 6:52 pm
  29. Kermit Derren

    Great article. There’s a lot of good data here, though I did want to let you know something – I am running Fedora with the circulating beta of Firefox, and the design of your blog is kind of quirky for me. I can read the articles, but the navigation doesn’t work so well.

    February 4, 2010 at 10:32 pm
  30. Judith Franklin

    Ola, terrific site you have here. I really enjoyed skimming through this piece. I noticed it today and found it interesting, so it inspired me to post a few words. I have a feeling other people will most likely think the same way on this topic. So, I

    February 6, 2010 at 12:52 am
  33. adaaaa

    ssuing executive orders that reverse policies from the previous administration (which should by all means be counted). And when it comes to science and medicine, there are miles to go before the new POTUS sleeps.
    -indirmeden izle-inndir-şarkisini dinle-justin tv-yükle-full porno indir—18konulu—liseli kizlar-sexsi-firikik-yesilcam pornosu-h massive problems to sink a fleet of aircraft carriers, the word is he’ll waste no time getting to work. But what can a new president accomplish in his first few days in office? Plenty, if you count ianal sikis-canli sikis–uzun pornolar—-full porno indir
    yeni videolar
    -recepivedik3sinemacekimi–kutsaldamacana2idman
    xvideos–vidyo—”>>günlükfilm-tikla indir-
    So what are some top science priorities that President Obama can stick on his “ASAP” list? Here’s a few ideas, along with the likelihood that they’ll be addressed in the super/semi/n

    February 8, 2010 at 2:38 pm
  35. Rosetta Carriger

    Hi , when browsing at your web page i see some type of strange codes all throughout the page, in case it

    February 10, 2010 at 11:33 am
  36. Glayds Gandhy

    Hi, merely decided i would indicate to you something.. This is twofold now i

    February 10, 2010 at 11:44 am
  37. Gisele Freeland

    Hey there , when browsing at your web site i experience some sort of unusual codes all around the site, in case it

    February 10, 2010 at 11:53 am
  40. ramsaychaf

    primary benefits weathering burning positive process affected [url=http://archpedi.highwire.org]microblogging confirmation suggests[/url] http://www.dshs.wa.gov

    February 12, 2010 at 4:42 am
  45. louis vuitton

    In fact, some people kill for a the designers or those who already the rounds of thrift shops. Undoubtedly much value is in an authentic Gucci Bags, or 15 years or 15 minutes old.Gucci Louis VuittonGucci Shoes and Louis Vuitton Shoes started with a small luggage and saddlery company in Florence, where they sell leather that are produced exclusively by artisans of Florence. The entitlement to seek international supportCustomer opens Discount Gucci Handbags Louis Vuitton Handbags i another company, this time in Via Condotti in Rome. Although very popular with Consumers, it was not until 1947 that the first Gucci UK and Louis Vuitton UK reached icon the state with the bag until you have a bamboo handle. The bag was introduced by Gucci Bags Discount, was a great success with the icon of the Gucci Shoulder Bag and Louis Vuitton BagBelt lines deriv>ed from the circle. The symbol LV of the tape strips is so special Louis Vuitton Outlet and so identified with Gucci products, whetherBags or clothing that has been done in a Brand .Another symbol of Gucci Purses and Louis Wallet was introduced some years after LV UK Moccasin handbag with metal spikes.Gucci Handbags Sale.fix it
    Make tracks to the nearest lodge in this Columbia Sportswear alpine-inspired zip up Columbia Shoesfeatures the cozy look of a sweater outside and the comfort of soft fleece inside Columbia FEATURES No need to dodge raindropsOmni-ShieldColumbia Mens Shoes water-repellent finishColumbia Sportswear Clothing offers great protection from the elements Columbia Sportswear OutletFlattering seaming at the waist and front slant pockets Shaped fit Made of 100 polyester Heritage sweater fleece Omni-Shield advanced repellency Front slant pocketsColumbia Sportswear Parka Columbia Jackets ALPINE TRAX FULL ZIP Columbia Hiking Shoes Columbia Clothingsweaters Columbia Sportswear Jackets full zip jackets women s sweater Columbia Sportswear Titanium Columbia Sportswear Sale

    ed hardy

    Wedding Dresses

    February 22, 2010 at 9:10 pm
  47. louis vuitton

    In fact, some people kill for a the designers or those who already the rounds of thrift shops. Undoubtedly much value is in an authentic Gucci Bags, or 15 years or 15 minutes old.Gucci Louis VuittonGucci Shoes and Louis Vuitton Shoes started with a small luggage and saddlery company in Florence, where they sell leather that are produced exclusively by artisans of Florence. The entitlement to seek international supportCustomer opens Discount Gucci Handbags Louis Vuitton Handbags i another company, this time in Via Condotti in Rome. Although very popular with Consumers, it was not until 1947 that the first Gucci UK and Louis Vuitton UK reached icon the state with the bag until you have a bamboo handle. The bag was introduced by Gucci Bags Discount, was a great success with the icon of the Gucci Shoulder Bag and Louis Vuitton BagBelt lines deriv>ed from the circle. The symbol LV of the tape strips is so special Louis Vuitton Outlet and so identified with Gucci products, whetherBags or clothing that has been done in a Brand .Another symbol of Gucci Purses and Louis Wallet was introduced some years after LV UK Moccasin handbag with metal spikes.Gucci Handbags Sale.fix it
    Make tracks to the nearest lodge in this Columbia Sportswear alpine-inspired zip up Columbia Shoesfeatures the cozy look of a sweater outside and the comfort of soft fleece inside Columbia FEATURES No need to dodge raindropsOmni-ShieldColumbia Mens Shoes water-repellent finishColumbia Sportswear Clothing offers great protection from the elements Columbia Sportswear OutletFlattering seaming at the waist and front slant pockets Shaped fit Made of 100 polyester Heritage sweater fleece Omni-Shield advanced repellency Front slant pocketsColumbia Sportswear Parka Columbia Jackets ALPINE TRAX FULL ZIP Columbia Hiking Shoes Columbia Clothingsweaters Columbia Sportswear Jackets full zip jackets women s sweater Columbia Sportswear Titanium Columbia Sportswear Sale
    ed hardy
    Wedding Dresses

    Links Of London
    Lace Wigs.

    February 26, 2010 at 10:46 pm
  48. konulu film

    rance industry abuses and denial of care. returned. Toporno film
    -erotik film-inndir-şarkisini dinle-justin tv-yükle-full porno indir—konulu porno—liseli kizlar-sexsi-de the country, free land, and even newly-renovated “doctor living communities” that would be guarded for safety. Still, as our own financial meltdown has shown, all the money and property in the wfirikik-yesilcam pornosu-anal sikis-canli sikis–uzun pornolar—-full porno indir

    -recepivedik3sinemacekimi–kutsaldamacana2idman
    xvideos–vidyo—”>>günlükfilm-tikla indir-
    pornotv
    sicak videolar-kvp filistin–kurtlarvadisi filistin-xvideos–vidyo—”>günlükfilm—tikla indir–ünlü pornosu—liseli porno–konulu pornolar–ysician isünlü pornosu quoted as saying çok filim hareketler bunlarthat youngerhint pornosu residents and interns are literally “studying the textbookslez porno # providing the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history, reducing premium costs for tens of millions of families and small business owners who are priced out of coverage today. This helps over 31 million Americans afford health care who do not get it today – and makes coverage more affordable for many more.

    February 27, 2010 at 6:32 am
NEW ON DISCOVER
@DISCOVERMAG ON TWITTER
POPULAR
OPEN
Follow us:
More great sites from Kalmbach Publishing Co.:
Collapse bottom bar
See inside the current issue of Discover Magazine
+

Login to your Account

X
E-mail address:
Password:
Remember me
Forgot your password?
No problem. Click here to have it e-mailed to you.

Not Registered Yet?

Register now for FREE. Registration only takes a few minutes to complete. Register now »