Does freedom of speech give people the right to sell condoms with the president’s face on it?
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A street vendor in New York City will find out after being arrested for selling contraceptives featuring the faces of President Obama and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on the wrappers.
José Andujar, 43, was taken into custody Friday in Times Square for selling the politically themed condoms. Police say it was his third arrest in a year for unlicensed peddling. City officials say they’ll continue to arrest the seller, pending the outcome of an appeal.
According to the New York Post, the arrest came despite a State Supreme Court justice ruling that Andujar’s items were protected by the First Amendment. The decision indicated the wrappers should be treated like books, which have no requirement for a vending license.
Andujar is reportedly a regular face in the center of the Big Apple where his sales pitches include, “It’s the ultimate stimulus package for hard times,” “Hope is not a form of protection,” and “Use with good judgment.”
The condoms featuring Palin’s face have the slogan: “When abortion is not an option.” It also notes: “Experience not necessary for use.”
 You betcha! Sarah Palin and John McCain are also featured on condom wrappers. |
The condoms made their debut during the presidential campaign season of 2008, and have reportedly sold nearly 500,000 online at Obamacondoms.com.
Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee in 2008, is also featured on a wrapper, with sell lines of: “Old, but not expired,” and “Wrinkled for her pleasure.”
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Josh Hammer