‘Seamy and Degrading Verse’ : Nun Wins Restraining Order in Suit Against Card Company
A Roman Catholic nun has won a temporary restraining order in her suit against a greeting card company for using her photograph on a card, along with what she terms “filthy, seamy and degrading verse.”
The front of the card shows Sister Candida Lund, unidentified and wearing nun’s garb, seated in a chair, with the words, “It’s all right if you kiss me.” Inside, the card says, “So long as you don’t get in the habit.”
In response to Lund’s lawsuit, filed Friday, Cook County Circuit Judge Anthony Scotillo issued a temporary restraining order barring California Dreamers Inc. from further production, distribution and sale of the card.
Scotillo also ordered the Chicago company to recall all cards on the market and scheduled a hearing for next week on a preliminary injunction.
The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages.
Barbara Raab at California Dreamers said no one was in the office who would comment on the lawsuit.
Lund, chancellor of Rosary College in suburban River Forest, said she has no idea where California Dreamers got her photograph.
Her lawsuit contends that the card violates her exclusive property rights by using the photograph without permission, demeans her morals and has embarrassed her and the college.
The card contains “filthy, seamy and degrading verse appealing to prurient interests . . . a vile and suggestive remark,” the lawsuit alleges.
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