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Obama Condoms Vendor Busted Despite Court Decision


By

Christopher Robbins

Published May 31, 2011

Modified May 31, 2011


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Jen Chung / Gothamist

 


By

Christopher Robbins

Published May 31, 2011

Modified May 31, 2011


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The New York State Supreme Court has ruled the Obama condoms are protected speech under the First Amendment. So why is the NYPD arresting political condom vendors like José Andujar? The Post reports that Andujar, whose pitches include "It's the election, erection for your protection" and "It's the ultimate stimulus package for hard times" (what about "Hard as a rock, wrapped in Barack?") was arrested on Friday for selling the condoms in Times Square. If we keep arresting them, who will alert authorities about the next terrorist attack?

Condom wrappers must be treated like books, in that they do not require a vending license, according to the State Supreme Court. But the city plans on using another case they won to stay the decision, so the arrests will continue. It's Andujar's third arrest in a year's time, but as long as the condoms keep selling, you'll probably keep seeing them on the street. Obamacondoms.com also has "oil spill" condoms, but where are the Wall Street condoms? Surely we need peace of mind while we're being royally screwed, no?

Tagged

1st amendment

barack obama

condoms

new york state supreme court

obamacondoms

times square vendors


Christopher Robbins

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Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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