Graffiti, Art, or Free Speech Violation?
Yuma, Arizona’s The Vertical Church is causing a bit of controversy. The Church has designated a free-standing wall along the north edge of the property as the Art Wall,specifically to promote “a form of ministry.” But not just anything can be posted or painted on the wall. A sign posted above the mural invites people to express themselves artistically, with the only requirement being that they not use profanity or gang images.
However, Yuma has an ordinance that expressly bans graffiti, arguing that even the sign posted above the wall also is a violation of city ordinances.
We’re not sure if the church plans on fighting the city ordinance, but we can certainly see the church making a very powerful Molotov connecting two First Amendment clauses: the free speech clause and the free exercise of religion clause. Interesting to see what happens.
Via the Yuma Sun.