LEWISTON — Former Maine Gov. Angus King endorsed a new online commenting policy of the Sun Journal Friday.

King, an independent who served as governor from 1995 to 2003,  lauded the decision by the Sun Journal editorial staff that will require all those who comment on stories on the newspaper’s website to do so under their own names.

“The anonymity provided online peels away civilized discourse,” King said Friday praising the newspaper for leading the way despite criticism from some who have said the move is an attempt to stifle free speech.

In late 2010 King expressed reservations about sharing a column he penned with the newspaper saying he didn’t feel it was fair to subject himself to anonymous attacks online when he was willing to put his name to his words.

The former governor’s observations were part of many considerations the newspaper’s staff considered before changing its policy to require online comments to be posted under real names.

The new policy will be in effect starting Feb. 1, 2011. To learn more about getting a verified account on SunJournal.com, visit sunjournal.com/verified.