City Code and Free Speech

There is an article I believe is worth reading, posted on the Austin American Statesman webpage. It is about moving billboards and dead fetuses. Strange, I know. Apparently a group called Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, a non-profit organization thought it would show Austin dead fetuses as a result of an abortion. Needless to say there were many complaints about these trucks containing graphic images which many were not too fond of seeing while they ate breakfast. There were several complaints called in to the City of Austin and Austin Police Department that morning regarding the graphic nature of the moving billboards. Several say it violates city code, but others agree it is under the protection of the first amendment for free speech, no matter how disturbing it may be. There are other reasons why the City of Austin allowed such a parade, but I’ll let you find the answers by reading the article. This article is definitely worth reading if not for the sheer awe of city code being twisted for the right-wiged, then for a story to tell your buddies.