The Saint Paul Sun

Circulating "Hate Sheets"
Unlawful In Twin Cities

The recent circulation of an anonymous letter in the Twin Cities, which attempted to arouse animosity against the Negro race, is unlawful, according to ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

St. Paul adopted the "Anonymous Literature Ordinance" in February of 1944. A similar ordinance was adopted in Minneapolis on March 28, 1947.

Samuel L. Scheiner, executive director of the Minnesota Jewish Council, put through the ordinances in both cities.

The statutes make it clear that it is unlawful for any person to "print, publish, distribute or cause to be printed, published or distributed by any means, or in any manner whatsoever" any and all types of literature which "tends to expose any individual or any racial or religious group to hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy," unless the literature bears the true name and post office address of the person or group responsible for such circulation and distribution.

Violation of any provision of the ordinance is a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding ninety days.

The ordinance further provides that, when such literature appears, every attempt must be made to apprehend the distributor.

(Editor’s note: This information is published for the benefit of those readers who inquired about possible legal recourse in the case of the letter which appeared in this newspaper June 13 over the signature, "Fellow Conservative.")