What characterizes a "content-neutral" law?

A "content-neutral" law is characterized by its application to all speech without regard to the content of that speech. This type of law affects the time, place, and manner of speech but does not regulate particular viewpoints or ideas. For example, a law that requires all public demonstrations to obtain a permit in designated areas applies equally to any kind of speech but does not favor or disfavor specific content. This is important because content-neutral laws are generally upheld under the First Amendment, as they aim to serve governmental interests such as maintaining public order, rather than suppressing specific messages or ideas.

The other choices present various forms of laws that could potentially violate First Amendment rights by being content-based. A law that prohibits certain types of speech discriminates based on the content of the speech, while one that supports only political speech inherently favors certain viewpoints over others. Lastly, a law focused on protecting public morals could also selectively suppress speech based on its content, thus failing to meet the definition of content neutrality.