On The Front Lines
Another One for Religious Freedom! Conn. Artist Can Exhibit Paintings of Christ!
Rutherford Institute Secures Victory for Connecticut Artist's Right to Include Christian Art in Library ExhibitionAttorneys for The Rutherford Institute have succeeded in persuading officials at Meriden Public Library in Meriden, Conn., to allow local artist Mary Morley to include paintings on Christian subject matter in her art exhibit, "Visions, Hopes and Dreams."
The City of Meriden allows one private citizen to exhibit art at the Meriden Public Library each month. Mary Morley had been on the waiting list for approximately one year prior to her art being scheduled for exhibition beginning on Dec. 1, 2003. However, after reviewing Morley's proposed exhibit pieces, Marcia Trotta, the Meriden Library Director, excluded five pieces from the show due to their religious content. The prohibited artwork included a nativity scene; Jesus Christ on the cross; Jesus with his arms outstretched; Jesus' resurrection; and Jesus on the cross alongside two thieves. The pieces of art that were approved by the library director included as their subjects: Martin Luther King, Jr.; John F. Kennedy; Pope John Paul II; David and Goliath; Moses; a 9/11 poem and design; an angel scene; angels in a tunnel; the prophet Elijah in a chariot; and Mother Teresa.
In letters to library officials and the city's attorney, Institute legal staff and local affiliate attorney Edmond Diorio pointed out that by allowing local artists to display their artwork at Meriden Public Library without censorship, library officials had created a limited public forum for artwork. In earlier remarks, John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute, stated, "The bigger cultural issue here, however, is how art--especially religious art--should be treated by public officials and public institutions such as libraries. The history of art is permeated with religious themes. The greatest painters that history has known such as Rembrandt have painted religious themes such as the Crucifixion of Christ. Does this mean that Rembrandt would not be able to display his paintings at the Meriden Public Library? The library's rationale would have excluded many of the great artists of history."
"The U.S. Supreme Court has been very clear that you cannot discriminate against a religious viewpoint," stated Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. "We are pleased that library officials have agreed to respect Ms. Morley's right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, as well as her right to equal protection under the law as provided by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution."
The Rutherford Institute is an international, nonprofit civil liberties organization committed to defending constitutional and human rights.
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