CBLDF Makes Fundraising Push As Gordon Lee Trial Date Is Set

The case of Georgia v. Gordon Lee will go to trial August 13, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is making one last push towards raising money in anticipation of the costly event. In a notice sent out to multiple web sites, CBLDF Executive Direct Charles Brownstein set as a goal raising the $20,000 the trial itself is expected to cost the fun. The case has already cost the Fund $80,000, spent over an almost three year period where the defense was able to knock out most of the original seven charges.

Lee still faces two misdemeanor counts of Distribution of Harmful to Minors. Each charge could mean up to one year in prison and/or $1000 in fines.

Lee was charged after an incident on Halloween 2004. Lee and his shop in Rome were participating in a local merchant trick or treat celebration, and a copy of a Free Comic Book Day giveaway from Alternative Comics featuring incidental, non-sexualized male nudity in a contribution by Nick Bertozzi, accidentally found its way into the hands of a minor (or two minors, as the prosecution later held). The case has underlined or brought discussion to bear on a number of important points, ranging from the nature of Free Comic Book Day giveaways to an unfortunate impulse by some in comics not to support Lee because the case involved retailer error -- an impulse I believe ungenerous as well completely beside the point when it comes to the value and necessity of standing up against the abuse of law represented by the aggressive prosecution of something my Mom would have handled with a phone call.

You can read the full text of their release here, including multiple ways to donate or provide assistance.
 
posted 3:36 am PST | Permalink
 

---

 
Daily Blog Archives
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
 
Full Archives