At Olathe, Kansas, the Johnson County seat, a county grand jury has refused to find any violation of Kansas obscenity laws in display of a statue at an arboretum park in Overland Park.Opponents to the statue titled "Accept or Reject" have complained that it promotes sexting and imperils the morals of children who view it.
The statue depicts a headless woman, blouse open and knotted at midriff, taking a photo of herself.
A statement from Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe reads, in part, the grand jury found " 'No True Bill' and as a result, no criminal charges will be filed."
Howe said the statement from grand jurors noted they had sat for one day, reviewed photographs of the statue and reviewed state law. The statement also said the panel found "that the sculpture in question did not meet the legal definition of obscenity set forth in K.S.A. 21-6401(f)(1)(B)(ii)."
The American Family Association had collected petition signatures to have the statue removed. The City of Overland Park refused.
Association spokesperson Phil Cosby said he was disappointed by the grand jury finding that the statue did not violate Kansas obscenity law.