Res. No. 1897 Title Resolution recognizing that freedom in the creation and presentation of works in the visual and performing arts serves the public interest and calling upon all New Yorkers to oppose the use of government funding to impose subjective standards of decency, ideology or any person or group's religious beliefs. Body By The Speaker (Council Member Vallone) and Council Members Eldridge Henry, Linares, Lopez, Moskowitz and Perkins; also Council Members Eisland, Fisher, Koslowitz, Leffler, Michels, O'Donovan, Pinkett, Robinson, Quinn and The Public Advocate (Mr. Green) Whereas, Freedom in the creation and presentation of works in the visual and performing arts serves the public and the community by strengthening the imaginative exploration and expression of diverse ideas and values; and Whereas, Public funding of the arts encourages artistic creativity and expression while providing the public with diverse opportunities to enrich their lives, for healthy public discourse and learning; and Whereas, The various types of artistic expression reflect the rich, pluralistic fabric of ideas, beliefs and experiences that mark American society in general and New York City life in particular; and Whereas, This diversity in artistic expression sometimes challenges and, perhaps, even offends the sensibilities of certain groups or individuals; and Whereas, Public funding of artistic expression does not constitute government endorsement of the views or attitudes expressed in or conveyed by specific works of art; and Whereas, The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects speech and expression from infringement by government action without regard to the content of such speech or expression; and Whereas, The use of government funding to impose subjective standards of decency, ideology or any person or group's religious beliefs is contrary to the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and to the public interest; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes that freedom in the creation and presentation of works in the visual and performing arts serves the public interest and calling upon all New Yorkers to oppose the use of government funding to impose subjective standards of decency, ideology or any person or group's religious beliefs. ISP/lc LS #4218 A:LS 4218 Res pfv.doc (ISP disc 2001A) |10
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