On the recordSeptember 29, 1999
I rise to the most urgent of matters about which I can be succinct. There has arisen in New York City the question of the propriety of a museum exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. The city government has contested this, and the museums of the city have, in turn, raised objections. Floyd Abrams, who is perhaps the most significant first amendment lawyer of our age--I should correct myself to say he is the most significant first amendment lawyer of our age--is taking this case to a Federal district court, urging that a first amendment issue is involved and that the proposed measures of the City of New York are in violation of the first amendment and cannot be allowed to stand. In that circumstance, I should think any Member of this body ought to defer to the courts before which this issue is now being placed. Clearly this amendment by Senator Smith will not become law.
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