[Dixielandjazz] Suit to preserve Jazz Funerals

[Norman Vickers]

Suit seeks to preserve jazz funerals


To:  Musicians & Jazzfans & DJML

From:  Norman

Re:  Here's a beneficial act by the ACLU ( the organization some love to
hate).  Read on regarding their activity to preserve Louisiana jazz
funerals. 

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Louisiana branch of the ACLU has filed
suit to preserve the New Orleans traditions of "second-line" dance
processions and jazz funerals. 

The ACLU says both are in jeopardy of disappearing due to excessive fees and
changes in permit rules for organizations that stage parades, The Los
Angeles Times reports. 

The city of New Orleans raised fees to a base of around $1,200 following the
shooting death of one person and the wounding of several others during
parades this year. In addition to the parade fee, the state of Louisiana
requires groups to post a bond of $10,000. 

The ACLU suit says the new policies are a curtailment of freedom of speech
and expression. 

"If we do not get relief from the court, then this tradition will be taxed
out of existence," Joe Cook, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana,
told the Times. 

The suit was filed on behalf of the Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force
comprising 21 groups and other plaintiffs.

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