Court case over whether sex offenders can use Facebook

Indianapolis: A federal judge is considering the constitutionality of an Indiana law that bans registered sex offenders from social networking sites that can be used by children.

The judge heard arguments Thursday in the challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana that the 2008 law violated sex offenders' free speech rights. Federal judges have overturned similar bans in Nebraska and Louisiana.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana argues it's unconstitutional to bar sex offenders from using online services such as Facebook if they are no longer in prison or on probation.

The Indiana attorney general's office argues that social networking sites aren't the only forms of communication and that the laws are needed to protect children.

Judge Tanya Walton Pratt says she expects to rule within a month.