Claim: beer label a hate crime

OverLawyered ^ | 5/13/05 | Walter Olson

[FormerACLUmember]

The Lost Coast Brewery in Humboldt, Calif. says it will take off the shelves its Indica India Pale Ale, whose label currently depicts the Indian elephant-god Ganesh "holding a beer in one of his four hands, and another in his trunk". Although brewery co-owner Barbara Groom said her Hindu friends don't mind the label, a California man named Brij Dhir sued the brewery, along with other defendants such as the Safeway supermarket chain, claiming that it is offensive and intimidates Hindus from practicing their religion. "Dhir seeks at least $25,000 and his lawsuit mentions that $1 billion would be appropriate to compensate Hindus around the world." "It's a hate crime", Dhir told the Contra Costa Times. ("Brewery pulls label showing Hindu god", RealBeer.com, May 9).

[FormerACLUmember]

Those crooked shysters and corrupt judges better stay clear of peoples beer, or they might get some legal reform one of these days.

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Touch my beer and find out what happens. (LOL)

[LIConFem]

Geez, isn't there anyone left in this country who isn't offended by absolutely everything?

[Libertarianize the GOP]

If it is offensive, let them start a boycott. That is a sufficient remedy in our society.

[Bluegrass Conservative]

Geez, isn't there anyone left in this country who isn't offended by absolutely everything?

I am, and I take offense to you insinuating that I do! :-)

[FormerACLUmember]

"Hey. like beer IS our religion, you lawyer hoseheads, eh."

[mlbford2]

"Indica" is a type of marijuana. Humbolt County is famous for its Humbolt County Indica(a type of Northern Lights strain). One of the few things I learned in college.

[caver]

Geez, I'd need a magnifying glass to see that elephant holding a beer.

[Paul Atreides]

Gee, who woulda thunk the "hate crime" accusation would be used so frivolously? /sarcasm

[martin_fierro]

Ironically, Ganesh is known as the Remover of Obstacles.

[Tennessee_Bob]

I'm offended that you would even think of asking such a question - you'll be hearing from my attorney.

[2banana]

But they can out a Cross in urine or feces on a picture of the Madonna (the real one) and call it art...

[cripplecreek]

Hey Brij.

[2banana]

But they can put a Cross in urine or feces on a picture of the Madonna (the real one) and call it art...

[OXENinFLA]

[cyborg]

What a dumb idea.

[FormerACLUmember]

This Ganesh dude looks like he's polished his share of brewskies away:

[Larry Lucido]

"Beyond the Pale Ale"?

[NonValueAdded]

It may be offensive, but how in the name of the great Vishnu does a bottle label intimidate one from practicing their religion?