Clamp on Lennon artwork protested by rights unit

The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union criticized police for closing an exhibit of 14 drawings by the late Beatle John Lennon because some were deemed too risque. The exhibit, which includes drawings Mr. Lennon created in 1969 to express his love for Yoko Ono and the peace movement, was closed after police, threatening court action, said the art may have violated state obscenity laws.

"Police officers are supposed to be enforcing the law, not acting as roving censors," the state ACLU said.

The exhibit, scheduled for a 100-city tour, had appeared without incident in Portland, Maine, and Boston.