ACLU of Utah Condemns Act of Vandalism at the Utah Pride Center
Official Statement of the ACLU of Utah
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: media@aclu.org
The individual who spray painted the word “FAGS” across the marquee of Cafe Marmalade (the coffee shop associated with the Utah Pride Center) engaged in a criminal act. The rights to freedom of speech and freedom of expression that are enshrined in and protected by the First Amendment do not include the right to vandalize private property. Although individuals have a First Amendment right to express their views, which can certainly involve troublesome or hateful words such as “fag,” choosing to express oneself in this manner is reprehensible and, ultimately, counterproductive. The ACLU of Utah encourages individuals with contrary viewpoints, whether personal or political, to express and discuss their differences in constructive and responsible ways, not through cowardly and destructive acts such as vandalism.
Stay informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The latest in LGBTQ Rights
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About LGBTQ Rights
The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.