A breaking news story linked here on aerial advertising being banned:
"A federal appeals court today upheld Honolulu's ban on aerial advertising, rejecting an appeal by anti-abortion advocates who said the rule restricted their free speech. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the Honolulu law was a reasonable restriction on speech in a nonpublic forum.
"The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform sued the city in 2003, saying it had a right to fly over Oahu 100-foot long banners displaying graphic images of aborted fetuses. The organization has flown similar banners above heavily populated areas in other states to promote its pro-life, anti-abortion message.
"But the court noted Honolulu has long restricted outdoor ads to protect Oahu's scenic beauty. The city banned aerial advertising in 1978.
"The judges noted banner towing isn't a historically important form of communication or speech, adding there are other ways people can express themselves.
"The decision affirms an August 2003 ruling by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken."
"A federal appeals court today upheld Honolulu's ban on aerial advertising, rejecting an appeal by anti-abortion advocates who said the rule restricted their free speech. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the Honolulu law was a reasonable restriction on speech in a nonpublic forum.
"The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform sued the city in 2003, saying it had a right to fly over Oahu 100-foot long banners displaying graphic images of aborted fetuses. The organization has flown similar banners above heavily populated areas in other states to promote its pro-life, anti-abortion message.
"But the court noted Honolulu has long restricted outdoor ads to protect Oahu's scenic beauty. The city banned aerial advertising in 1978.
"The judges noted banner towing isn't a historically important form of communication or speech, adding there are other ways people can express themselves.
"The decision affirms an August 2003 ruling by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken."
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