LEGAL FILE

The ACLU Rap: The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said Monday it will represent a nightclub owner as the Westerly Town Council debates whether to ban the rap group 2 Live Crew from performing there. Town officials are expected to set a date for a hearing to determine whether it can revoke the Windjammer Concert Club’s liquor and entertainment licenses because of the group’s scheduled Oct. 6 concert. In an effort to block 2 Live Crew from performing, the council voted to ask state Atty. Gen. James E. O’Neil to decide whether the group’s lyrics violate Rhode Island obscenity laws. The ACLU became involved because of “Westerly officials’ complete lack of concern for the First Amendment,” said ACLU Executive Director Steven Brown.