Tuesday, February 03, 2009

coming to a mall near you

recall that recent bush-league court rulings have upheld the notion that malls are primarily private property, and not public places, for the purposes of free speech and free association. then read this:
"If our security officer feels that is disruptive to our shoppers and our business, then they have that authority to make that determination,” the mall's marketing director said. “It's their responsibility to make sure our shopping place is an enjoyable shopping place for everyone to be.” Garcia said the officers intentionally harassed the couple, accusing them of kissing and having “swapped spit.”
Civil rights advocates expressed dismay over the mall's policy against public displays of affection, such as kissing, and question the wide discretion officers have to enforce it.
“What if they're holding hands, is that going to be enough?” asked Patrick Filyk, president of the San Antonio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. “Seems like a real slippery slope for management.”

read the entire article here.
this is not a good thing. i'm all for civil disobedience, but i'm not going to texas to do it. i'm sure someone will. perhaps we should organize a bike ride to a spit swap rally at jordan creek sometime?

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