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.
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