Why have city leaders allowed banners promoting an anti-abortion campaign to go up all along St. Charles Avenue?
The banners would be inappropriate and offensive on public property at any time, but they are particularly inappropriate at a time when our city will be welcoming millions of visitors in the coming weeks to join in the city’s beloved Mardi Gras celebrations. New Orleans is a diverse community that embraces a variety of viewpoints and perspectives, and whether you are a life-long resident or a first-time visitor, these banners should not be tolerated – they cast our city in a negative light.
Light posts along NOLA's iconic street car route are covered with banners sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life. These banners, which were approved by the City of New Orleans and the Department of Public Works, show disturbing images and include messages intended to inflame anti-choice rhetoric and shame women who have had or may have an abortion in their lifetime.
The rules governing what banners can be hung from city streetlights prohibit political campaigning — defined as endorsement of a specific campaign.
The Department of Public Works should remove these banners immediately, to reassure the community that the City does not endorse this anti-abortion campaign.
Please sign the petition to Mayor Landrieu, DPW Director Lt. Col. Mark Jernigan, and the New Orleans City Council reminding them that Mardi Gras isn't anti-abortion and ask them to remove these banners from city property immediately!
Dear Mayor Landrieu, Director Lt. Col. Mark Jernigan, and members of the New Orleans City Council,
Please remove the anti-abortion banners along St. Charles Avenue. The City of New Orleans should not use city property for political messaging. These banners promote a political campaign by an anti-abortion interest group which is prohibited by the City's rules. Allowing them to be posted gives the impression that the city endorses this campaign.
Sincerely,
