It’s The Law

Don’t Draw Mustache On Historic Statue

(This is the last in a series of articles planned to help residents understand the sometimes involved laws by which the city of Baltimore protects its citizens and their property.)

This is the Monumental City, and its monuments, like its citizens, are protected by the law.

So, before you consider climbing into the bronze lap of the Roger B. Taney monument in Mount Vernon Square and drawing a mustache on the likeness of the former chief justice, consider the following law and the stiff penalty it provides:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to deface, injure, damage or trespass upon any public or private monument, statue or memorial, their ornamental figures or sculpture, or the enclosure or railing around them, in the city of Baltimore.

“Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $100 for each such violation and shall, in addition thereto, be liable to pay all expenses in repairing the said defacements, injuries or damages.”