PORTLAND (AP) — A lawsuit seeking to have a 36-foot mural depicting Maine’s labor history returned to a state office lobby will be at stake when a federal judge hears arguments on whether the suit should be dismissed.
A group of six Mainers filed a complaint last March to have the mural returned to the Labor Department offices, where it was on display when Gov. Paul LePage ordered it removed, causing a public uproar and a distraction for his new administration. LePage said visitors had complained that the mural gave the perception that the Labor Department was not equally receptive to both businesses and workers.
U.S. District Court Judge John Woodcock will hear arguments today in Bangor on the state’s motion to dismiss the complaint. For now, the mural is at an undisclosed location. The governor’s office has said it is safe and properly stored.
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