State Rep. Paul Amador, R-Coeur d'Alene, responds to art controversy at Art Spirit Gallery:

Our American freedoms do not always make us comfortable. Quite frequently our constitutionally protected rights create friction rather than agreement between various individuals and groups with opposing viewpoints. In a healthy democracy this freedom of expression and the protections afforded by the rule of law help to build a dynamic and emergent social identity upon the free exchange of ideas, thoughts, art, and actions.

In a recent article appearing in the Coeur d’Alene Press, “Art or Blasphemy” (July 27, 2017); it was reported that several passerby’s have taken issue with a piece of art located in the Art Spirit Gallery in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Apparently this particular piece of art may be perceived by some individuals as offensive to the Roman Catholic faith.

While beauty and artistic value are certainly left up to the eye of the beholder and I certainly will not attempt to place any evaluations on either the artistic or religious merits of the piece, the constitutionality of this piece is quite clear. More here.

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