The "invisible rights violation" theory doesn't stand up to even marginal examination. The theory, that perhaps thousands of people nobody knows about may be getting their rights abused under the Patriot Act because it's "illegal to talk about it," fails the requirements of proof (I can claim there are dozens of invisible, intangible leprechauns under my bed on the same premises).

It also fails the common sense test.

"Gag law" my ass. Do you honestly think if some librarian were hauled in under the Patriot Act, that activists and hordes of lawyers wouldn't jump on it with both feet? A righteous cause that would jam fingers firmly into the eyes of Bush and Ashcroft? The lawyers and activists "violating" the gag law would be marching triumphantly to court, news cameras blazing on all sides. If they were really lucky, they'd be in handcuffs. I'd love to see a "gag law" enforced on the New York Times.

If the librarian were Mary Anne, I doubt she'd go quietly, gag law or no gag law. ;)

It's worth pointing out that gay marriage is illegal in California. Don't see that stopping the activists.

The fact is that the law hasn't been used as you think it has. Believe me, the civil rights groups have every antenna up, waiting for that juicy test case to blast Bush once and for all. Even a rumor would be enough to get them going.