By Bruce Dunbar, Edmonton

Can somebody please explain what has become of our rights and freedoms when 700 members of a religious sect can influence an elected official to call for the immediate removal of works of art from a public space because it offends them?

Freedom of expression does not contain a caveat that limits such expression to pleasing everybody all of the time. In a democracy, one has the right to express a contrary view on a given subject or theme without fear of extreme censorship. Mayor Stephen Mandel has neither the moral or legislative authority to utter such a decree.

We live in a secular society, where church and state must remain separate.

The Hindu community has the right to object to what they see as an offence to their religion. The artist and the public at large also have the right to produce such art, to view such art wherever it appears, and to openly reflect, debate and criticize it.

If we are required to hide away or conceal every form of expression which someone else takes exception to, there will be virtually nothing left to see.

Ironically, this issue has significantly raised the profile of the art in question. Most Edmontonians were probably unaware of its existence. Hopefully, many will now head to Jasper Avenue to view, reflect, debate and criticize what is before them, before "officialdom" removes the opportunity.