A free Wi-Fi service offered by BC Ferries is causing a stir because some websites about sex education and abortion are restricted.

Internet access has been available on the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry run since last summer, and as you might expect, the company is using a filter to block sites containing pornography and hate speech.

"You don't want your six-year-old to be viewing over somebody's shoulder something that their parents would feel is inappropriate." BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall told CTV News.

But a sexual health educator says the restrictions go too far and the company is imposing morals on their passengers.

"It's not right to block educational sites, and I think it sends a negative message to people about celebrating our healthy sexuality." said Saleema Noon.

BC Ferries says the software it uses can't always distinguish between sex education pages and other types of blocked sites.

"We have heard some concerns from people saying this is censorship but we've also had a lot of other customers emailing us thanking us for respecting family values." Marshall said.

Those who disagree won't be seeing any changes because the ferry corporation is standing behind its policy.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber