New Law in Indiana Ups Price of Free Speech

Indianapolis, IN -- A new law taking effect this summer would restrict the sale of sexually explicit materials without a permit and fee. The law is designed to target porn shops, but will affect art dealers, regular bookstores and museums (and artists?).

The apparent problem is that the law does not define what is sexually explicit. The real problem is that the case is an attack on freedom of speech, but is being fought on the basis of "that can't be me, it's the other guy."

Art dealers and museums think this means that they won't be able to sell books which depict art of the nude. The Indianapolis art community is working with the ACLU to get an exemption, similar to those already granted doctors and schools.

Most unfortunate, if the art dealers and museums get their way and the law is revised to exempt them, the persecuted minority (who have to register and pay the fee) will include porn shops perhaps artists. Are we ready for that one?

Perhaps then only "approved" art will be certified saleable. PASSED BY THE CENSOR! will be the new stamp on the book cover or back of the artwork.

In my opinion, this will not stop art of the nude, it will just drive it underground or (regarding the current law in Indiana) across state lines to a more accommodating venue.

Here is the article from WISH-TV

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