Censorship by Temperance Officials
Temperance members of the Russellville City council in Arkansas approved a motion censoring any discussion of legalizing alcohol sales during budget sessions. The motion was passed after the city's Revenue Task Force suggested legalizing alcohol sales.
The council member who proposed the censorship said "I don't think it's good for our city" and explained that "Part of the reason I live here is because alcohol isn't sold." He had tried unsuccessfully to get the alcohol issue removed from the Task Force's final report.
It appears that the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protection of free speech won't apply Russellville's council as long as temperance-minded officials have their way.
Reference:
- City council bans talk about alcohol sales in budget sessions. Associated Press, 8-23-03.
filed under: [pending]
