FARGO (KFGO) - A co-founder of the American Indian Movement says he's disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court for ruling that that the government cannot refuse to register controversial trademarks.
The opinion may affect the NFL’s Washington Redskins, who are involved in a legal dispute with the U.S. Trademark Office.
In an interview with KFGO News, American Indian activist Clyde Bellecourt says the NFL would never allow a group such as Catholics to be used as mascots.
“If you had a mascot dressed up like the pope with a gold cane…and singing Ave Maria and waving a crucifix up and down instead of a tomahawk, that name would change immediately” Bellecourt said. “It’s just a matter of time when America will wake up and realize what they’re doing and the effect it has.”
Bellecourt also said he’s not surprised with the Supreme Court’s ruling. “We’re living under a very racist government today, and have been ever since the first treaty was ever made.”
“They would never do this to black people” Bellecourt said. “They would never do this to Catholics. The Los Angeles Angels would get rid of their name if they had a mascot dressed up like the pope, sprinkling holy water.”
The justices ruled that the 71-year-old trademark law barring disparaging terms infringes free speech rights.