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House debate over amendment barring government funding of 'obscene' performances raises First Amendment concerns
Summary
Lawmakers sparred over an amendment that would prohibit government entities from funding or hosting performances deemed "obscene," with opponents calling it a prior restraint and supporters saying it protects taxpayer dollars; the transcript does not record the floor vote outcome.
An amendment to bar government entities from funding or hosting performances the bill labels "obscene" drew a protracted floor debate in the Indiana House over whether the language would create a prior restraint on speech and could invite costly litigation against local governments.
The amendment, discussed during consideration of a criminal-procedure bill on second reading, was presented as a means to prevent taxpayer dollars from being spent on obscene performances. "If they're going to spend tax dollars on an obscene performance ... that would be barring the government entity…
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