Subject: Scientology's Art Exhibit - All Welcome...except LMT employees
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 13:33:13 -0400
Organization: The Lisa McPherson Trust, 33 N. Fort Harrison Ave. Clearwater, FL 33755 Tel: 727 467-9335 Fax: 727 467-9345
Message-ID: <cqngvsogjn55g1cjvsh5ptee1an50jrdlv@4ax.com>
Jeff Jacobsen noticed a sign in front of the Scientology "The Bank" building that said "Art Exhibit, October 26 - 28 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All Welcome."
So, Jeff, Ingrid and I took a walk (past the two off-duty Clearwater police officers and OSA security guy, Antonio) to The Bank building to check out this open, free art show. Surprisingly, no one was entering the art show. Jeff tried the front door, but another surprise, it was locked. Then a staff member opened the door. I pleasantly said, "Hi!". He looked startled by my friendly gesture and replied, "It's not open now." Then he closed the door on us.
When we turned around to leave, the 2 off-duty officers and Antonio approached us. The male officer asked me, "Did you just try to go into that building?" I said, "Yes, the sign says art show, all welcome." He said, "Oh, ok that makes sense, I was just asking if you tried to go in."
Meanwhile, Antonio was telling Jeff "You are not welcome, what part of that do you not understand?" Jeff pointed out to the officers and Antonio that the sign is then incorrect and perhaps they should add, "Except the LMT staff" under "All Welcome." The male officer said, "Well, this is Florida. So a business can refuse service to anyone they want for whatever reason." That is an interesting law...You know, I wonder if NAACP and the ACLU know about these "Florida laws"?
-LMT PRD
