Sticks and stones....
But words will never hurt me. Many of us were taught this little rhyme as children, but apparently a significant portion of the nation either never heard it, or never believed it.
Everyone seems to focus on the supposed reason, that people say bad things anonymously, so we should not let them do that. There should be "accountability". All I can say to that is Bullshat!
And before you get too worked up, remember that first of all, one would have to register EVERYONE IN THE WORLD and be able to verify their ID (something all the powers of governments are not able to do) and the proposed bill would hold third parties (site operators) responsible. Does that seem fair to you?
Consider if the internet was printed material, such as an underground newspaper (or, as noted, the Federalist Papers) Do we really think it is a good idea that the writers must provide their names & addresses? Our Founding Fathers and those that inspired them wrote under pseudonyms. Indeed, the "pen name" is a long established literary tradition, particularly whenever there is any risk of offending powerful people or organizations.
How could anyone consider the Internet any different. Speech, oral or written is protected to a high degree in this country, and for good reason.
Libel and slander laws have specific definitions that must be met, otherwise there is no case. You can say bad things about someone. Someone can say bad or untrue things about you, but unless you can proove that harm is done, directly as a result there is no case.
It is a sad fact that many people will act based on unfounded rumor. When they do, THEY are at fault.
And speaking of at fault, how about the idiot (and I say this with no malice, just simple observation, as after all, "stupid is as stupid does") who proposed the bill in the first place? Barely a single moment of intelligent reflection on this subject would have shown how unworkable, and unconstitutional this is likely to be. It appears the individual has so little knowledge of both the Internet and the law as to be in questionable touch with reality. Too many elected officials seem to think that simply by passing a law they can alter reality to suit their adgendas. Sure, it may have the best of intentions, but the unintended consequences are potentially horrendous. Something akin to decapitation to cure a hangnail.