FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2009
CONTACT:
Brandon Hensler, Director of Communications, (786) 363-2737 or media@aclufl.org
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida won an early victory in the “Fish Mural” case today when U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Jenkins issued a Report and Recommendation that judge Whittemore issue a preliminary injunction in the case.
“We’re thrilled for Herb and Lori Quintero and their mom-and-pop business, The Complete Angler Bait and Tackle Shop,” said Maria Kayanan, Associate Legal Director of the ACLU of Florida and co-counsel for the bait and tackle shop and its owners. “We’re very grateful that Magistrate Judge Jenkins protected both art and the First Amendment in the City of Clearwater. The Magistrate Judge recognized that the fish mural and the First Amendment banner were unlawfully banned by the City based on their content,” said Kayanan.
The case has already garnered widespread support from community members and there has been an outpouring of support for the Quinteros. “The ACLU stands ready to defend anyone who needs to take on City Hall to protect their constitutional rights,” Kayanan added. James K. Green of West Palm Beach and Bruce D. Howie of Clearwater are ACLU Cooperating Attorneys on this case.
Download a PDF of the ruling here: http://www.aclufl.org/pdfs/Anglermagistrate.pdf
About the ACLU of Florida
The ACLU of Florida is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For additional information, visit our web site at: www.aclufl.org.
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