[MD] Free Speech

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

Two other "free speech" issues? One being championed by the Maine Civil
Liberties Union, the other banning a Denver resident from displaying a peace
sign...

http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/12/02/santa.beer.ap/index.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/27/national/main2209402.shtml

I hope the conservative outcry over these are loud!

Issue #1 ---------------------------------------

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- A beer distributor says Maine is being a Scrooge by
barring it from selling a beer with a label depicting Santa Claus enjoying a
pint of brew.

In a complaint filed in federal court, Shelton Brothers accuses the Maine Bureau
of Liquor Enforcement of censorship for denying applications for labels for
Santa's Butt Winter Porter and two other beers it wants to sell in Maine.

The dispute recalls a similar squabble last year when Connecticut told Shelton
Brothers it had problems with its Seriously Bad Elf ale.

"Last year it was elves. This year it's Santa. Maybe next year it'll be
reindeer," said Daniel Shelton, owner of the company in Belchertown,
Massachusetts.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday, contends the state's action violates the First
Amendment by censoring artistic expression.

But the state says it's within its rights. The label with Santa might appeal to
children, said Maine State Police Lt. Patrick Fleming. The other two labels are
considered inappropriate because they show bare-breasted women.

Issue #2 ---------------------------------------

(AP) A homeowners association in southwestern Colorado has threatened to fine a
resident $25 a day until she removes a Christmas wreath with a peace sign that
some say is an anti-Iraq war protest or a symbol of Satan.

Some residents who have complained have children serving in Iraq, said Bob
Kearns, president of the Loma Linda Homeowners Association in Pagosa Springs.
He said some residents have also believed it was a symbol of Satan. Three or
four residents complained, he said.

"Somebody could put up signs that say drop bombs on Iraq. If you let one go up
you have to let them all go up," he said in a telephone interview Sunday.

Lisa Jensen said she wasn't thinking of the war when she hung the wreath. She
said, "Peace is way bigger than not being at war. This is a spiritual thing."