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ACLU of Texas, Houston Chapter, condemns a Civic Association's attempt to limit political expression in violation of the First AmendmentThe Skaddens received the attached letter at their home on May 27, 2003 from the Precinct 287 Civic Association. The Association has been advised that the “Bill White Get Houston Moving” sign is staying. If the sign is defaced, removed or tampered with he will hold the Association liable. The clauses cited in the “Deed Restrictions” are unconstitutional and invalid as a matter of law. Mr. Skadden is a board member and past Vice President and Chair of the Legal Review Board of the Houston Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. The neighborhood is full of signs declaring that “We support President Bush and Our Troops”, sponsored by the Republican Party of Harris County. There is no partisan election in the near future that would allow these signs to be placed pursuant to the “Deed Restrictions.” Of course, these signs have a constitutional right to be there, as well as the one proclaiming “Orlando Sanchez for Mayor”. In view of the persistence of these Republican Party sponsored signs, it is clear that not only is the Association trying to deprive the Skaddens of their constitutional right to free _expression, but also is doing so in a clearly partisan and discriminatory manner. Mr. Skadden, along with colleagues from the local chapter of the ACLU, will be available for questions, and will deliver to the Association a letter demanding that their letter be retracted and that the unconstitutional deed restrictions be removed. Meeting with Mr. Skadden: Thursday, May 30, 2003 |