U. S. COURT OF APPEALS DECISION ALLOWS ENFORCEMENT OF NON-SOLICITATION OF FUNDS POLICY AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

  (Los Angeles, California – July 7, 2010)  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and airport officials are pleased with today’s decision by the United States Court of Appeals lifting the preliminary injunction, imposed in 1997, allowing Los Angeles Airport Police to enforce a Los Angeles City ordinance prohibiting solicitation and receipt of funds in the terminals, parking areas, and adjacent sidewalks at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).   

            “This is a huge step forward in ensuring the comfort and safety of the traveling public at LAX,” said Los Angeles World Airports’ Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey.  “From now on the traveling public will not have to worry about solicitors asking for money.”    

            With this decision, Los Angeles Airport Police are able to enforce the ordinance passed by the Los Angeles City Council on April 1, 1997, and upheld by the California Supreme Court on March 25, 2010, to prohibit the International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California, Inc. (ISKON) and other groups from solicitation and receipt of funds in the terminals, parking areas, and adjacent sidewalks at LAX.

            Los Angeles Airport Chief of Police George R. Centeno said, “The recent lifting of the court injunction means airport police law enforcement can enforce our City’s laws.  This ruling allows us to exercise a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to solicitors asking for immediate donations at LAX.”

            Organizations still can distribute literature and speak to willing travelers. They can even seek financial support, as long as they do not request the immediate exchange of funds.

            Violators face a penalty of up to six months in jail or a fine of $1,000, if convicted.