Yankees Settle Lawsuit Over Restrictions During Playing of "God Bless America"

The New York Times and AP reported yesterday that a federal lawsuit filed last April against the New York Yankees and the city of New York has been settled. Plaintiff, Bradford Campeau-Laurion, claimed he was the victim of religious and political discrimination when a police officer enforced a policy of restricting fan movement during the playing of "God Bless America"-- a song played during the 7th inning stretch at Yankee baseball games. Ushers typically blocked some exits while the song was played. Campeau-Laurion says a police officer ejected him from the old Yankee Stadium last season when he tried to walk to the rest room. Officials say he was arrested after acting in a disorderly manner. In exchange for plaintiff dropping the lawsuit, the city of New York agreed to pay $10,001 in damages and $12,000 in attorneys' fees. Also, in a stipulation (full text) filed as part of the settlement, the Yankees say that they have no policy or practice at the new Yankee stadium that imposes any special restrictions on fans moving around the stadium during playing of "God Bless America." In a release, the New York Civil Liberties Union said: "This settlement ensures that the new Yankee Stadium will be a place for baseball, not compelled patriotism." [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]