City of Los Angeles sued over bid to bar patriotic mural

The Associated Press ^ | 10/23/2001 | The Associated Press

[grimalkin]

LOS ANGELES (AP) The city of Los Angeles was sued Tuesday for allegedly violating an artist's free speech rights by ordering him to take down a giant patriotic mural displayed on an office building after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Artist Mike McNeilly put up the nearly 10-story-tall banner on the Westwood Medical Building, with the owner's permission.

Entitled "9-11," the flameproof canvas had images of a New York City firefighter, an American flag, the Statue of Liberty's face, the World Trade Center and the words "God Bless America."

But on Sept. 21, the city ordered him to remove the mural, alleging he had violated 24 ordinances related to commercial signs.

"They combed through the statute book and then threw it at Mr. McNeilly," said Dan Tokaji, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, which filed the suit. "If history teaches us anything, it teaches us that our most basic values are most at risk in times of crisis ... they are especially important now."

However, the city attorney's office said McNeilly is anything but an abused patriot.

"It is a beautiful piece of art," spokesman Ben Austin said. "We support his right to display this art, just not illegally."

Austin said McNeilly "took advantage of the national tragedy to further his financial interests by putting up this mural."

McNeilly recently replaced the mural with one that includes the face of a woman Marine, the Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center and the words "Liberty and Justice 9-11."

Still, he remains accused of violating a citywide anti-blight ban on new billboards. The ACLU suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, calls on a judge to order the city to allow the mural to remain and to strike down the blanket prohibition on new signs.

It isn't the first time McNeilly has clashed with officials. He was charged with misdemeanor counts in 1999 after partially painting a 120-foot-high mural of the Statue of Liberty on the same building. When authorities stopped him from completing it, he added the word "CENSORED" to the sign.

The case was dismissed earlier this year. McNeilly has a lawsuit against the city pending in federal court.

[X-Servative]

Glad I live in LA. (/sarcasm)

[WIMom]

Can someone post a picture of this? It sounds great. Also, a great opportunity for freeping LA!

[dubyagee]

"They combed through the statute book and then threw it at Mr. McNeilly," said Dan Tokaji, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, which filed the suit. "If history teaches us anything, it teaches us that our most basic values are most at risk in times of crisis ... they are especially important now."

What, are they trying to get some brownie points after their "God Bless America" school sign dispute? I'm not buying.....

[MistyCA]

billboard? Man, Oh man! They treat this like it is some sort of advertisement. What is so different from this form of artwork vs. the paintings celebrating the Olympics that were all over the freeways? This is yet another good reason for me to bail this disgustingly whacked out state! I only thank God I am not living in LA, but the creepy crawlers are out there and might attack my small town at any moment! YIKES!

[AgThorn]

My thoughts exactly..... I ain't no fan of Los Angeles city, but if the ACLU is against them, then maybe I'm not!

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

Here is his website

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

[goodieD]

just saw it. didn't like it. those of you who know me, know why.

[ArcLight]

Not much as art, but lovely as propaganda. What IS the city's problem? Can't they find some gangbangers to prosecute? Leave this guy alone. Sheesh!

[ArcLight]

[ArcLight]

Oops...those came out a little on the large side...sorry.

[WIMom]

This needs big time freeping! We got Madison, WI (aka, Berkley Midwest) to reverse it's decision on banning the pledge in public schools and now the recall effort is underway. Come on LA! If we in WI can do it, you can too!

[Nuke'm Glowing]

Now you know why the terrs never target L.A. Most of the residents are card carrying communists in sheeple's clothing.

[TwoStep]

**PING**

[Shooter 2.5]

Please don't apologize. It helps to see the beautiful detail on the art. I used to wonder how some prints could have so much detail until I saw the original painting. It was twelve FEET by nine FEET.

[FReethesheeples]

bump. Sue em unto the ends of the earth.

Sue the decision-makers personally!

[bootyist-monk]

Just drove past there about an hour ago, and the female soldier mural is now up on the same building. Same size as well, about 10 stories, I'd guess.

Bootyist

[bootyist-monk]

Easy. More conservatives in LA and the valley than the media would like you to believe.

The liberals just happen to be a lot louder.

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

Would someone please let said artist know that there are 50 Stars on the flag of the United States of America.

Playingwith font sizes... cool!!! I'm an artist too!