Tish James Defends Controversial Short Film at Brooklyn Museum

Councilwoman Letitia James, D-Brooklyn, took a defiant stance against those asking the Brooklyn Museum to remove a controversial short film.

"New York City has come to far to allow the 'Hide/Seek' exhibition scheduled to open at the Brooklyn Museum next week, a major museum show exploring gay themes in art history ... Freedom of expression is the pillar of democracy, and much is to be gained from the entirety of this show. Censorship has no place in a free society," James said.

Part of an exhibition featuring works of art with gay themes, "Hide/Seek," an image created by artist David Wojnarowicz depicting a crucifix covered with ants has come under .

Wojnarowicz, whose diverse body of work includes an exploration of the confluence of religion and sexuality, passed away due to complications from AIDS in 1992.