Boston law banning Native Americans puts journalism convention at risk

1675 Indian ban puts convention bid at risk
Minority journalists may reject Boston if law isn't repealed

By Keith Reed, Globe Staff | May 11, 2005

Boston is a finalist for hosting a big convention for minority journalists, but a 1675 law requiring the arrest of Native Americans who enter Boston could prevent the city from winning the bid.

Officials in City Hall and at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority met yesterday with the executive director of Unity: Journalists of Color Inc. to discuss repealing the state law, which has remained on the books despite being widely considered unconstitutional.

Its continued presence has sparked ire among some within the journalists' group, which represents Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans working in the news media.

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Now the convention authority, the city, and at least two state legislators want the law repealed before it can scuttle Boston's chances of hosting Unity's 2008 meeting, which could bring millions in revenue and 8,000 to 10,000 minority journalists. Convention planners also hope to show the visitors that Boston is a diverse and welcoming city.

More:
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/05/11/1675_indian_ban_puts_convention_bid_at_risk/

I live in Boston- is this for real? :wtf:

During the Democratic Convention there was a large contingent of Native American delegates. There was also a Native American gala and dinner hosted by AZ Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano. Where was the Boston police??? why didn't they bust these law breaking Indians???

Use it to highlight other archaic laws as well-- like the one that prevents out-of-state gay people from marrying. I think the law against Catholics holding public office is still on the books, too.

and how is it not anticonstitutional?

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Aawww, come on. Lighten up! This one has been on the books for so damn long and it's obvious that it hasn't been enforced (if at all) since before the last two centuries . . . that as a result it's presently unconstitutional u/ due process claim.

I'd guess that this one is on the Massachusetts statute books since the days of King Philips War, back when the colony and its Native Americans were locked in decimating and bloody warfare.

Here's more stupid antiquated, dumb Massachusetts laws at: http://www.dumblaws.com/laws.php?site=laws&cid=184®ion=21

Each state in the nation has laws like these remaining on its books collecting dust. Again, it's arguable in law that if a statute is never enforced, it is unenforceable u/ that state's due process clause . . .

In addition, as the Boston Globe states:

"State Senator Dianne Wilkerson, Democrat of Boston, said she will introduce a measure to repeal the 1675 law in the Senate, while Representative Byron Rushing, also a Boston Democrat, will bring the issue before the House."

What's the damn beef?

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edited to add: Yup, I was correct. The "1675 Indian Imprisonment Act" was enacted as a result of The King Philips War. It should be repealed without an hitch. However, again, I cannot see what the hell the beef was all about, other than an attempt to score some stupid points. And stupid it is too.

http://www.williams.edu/go/native/boston.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/25/national/25indian.html?oref=login

I swear I read a post in this forum at least 3-4 months ago saying this law was being repealed???!!!!???