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Banning Controversial T-shirts that List Names of Soldiers

Monday 21st of May 2007 02:46:03 PM

T-Shirts listing the names of soldiers who died while fighting in Iraq may be banned in the state of Arizona, USA if the governor decides to pass a bill that would make it illegal to profit off of Iraqi war casualties. Dan Frazier, a business owner in Arizona and manufacturer of the shirts, says if the bill passes, it would infringe upon his right to practice free speech. He claims that selling the T-Shirts for profit is not illegal. T-Shirts that have been sold include all 3,000 names of US soldiers who have died in Iraq with slogans like 'Support Our Remaining Troops' and 'Bring the Rest Home Alive' printed over them.

The state government does not believe they are infringing on Frazier's first amendment rights because he is profiting from the sale of the T-Shirts. While Frazier's lawyer is arguing that profit should not stand in the way of rights held by US citizens, the government disagrees. “It’s about you selling or profiting off those soldiers’ names the way somebody would off of (pop singer) Britney Spears,” said Arizona representative Jonathon Paton. He claims that because profits have been made, Frazier's right to free speech should not allow him to continue making a profit on lives that have been lost. If the bill is passed, the families of the soldiers whose names are printed on the shirts will be able to take legal action.

Even though Governor Janet Napolitano has yet to pass or veto the bill, Frazier said all the publicity over his T-Shirts have only increased the sales of them. Frazier has also said that he will continue to sell the shirts even if the bill is passed.

(c)Elbrich E, www.sxc.hu

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