Male genital snow sculpture 'disgusting'

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - With the snowfall we've seen during the month of December, many have been out enjoying it. But, you might want to reconsider what you build out of snow - it may be a violation of the law.

Neighbors along North 7th Street in Lafayette said two sculptures of male genitals were simply "disgusting." The sculptures have since been torn down, but the controversial issue still serves as a reminder that obscene sculptures do violate state law.

"Other kids are living on this block. It's just really rude for other kids to have to see what they've been doing," said Brire Gill, a kid who lives across the street.

Gill said what he and other kids in the neighborhood saw Wednesday morning was upsetting. Two snow sculptures in the shape of male genitals were on display at their neighbors' house.

"I would say 'Can you please stop doing this stuff?' because there's other kids around," said Gill.

The sculptures' creators declined to comment, but still had plenty of middle fingered hand gestures to show a News Channel 18 camera from across the street.

"I think it's disgusting. I have a two-year-old. Like, right now, he doesn't even know what that is. It's just not even....people shouldn't do that. It's very irresponsible," said Ghina Robinson, who also lives across the street.

Robinson said her neighbors began building the sculptures Tuesday night, but she didn't notice what they actually were until Wednesday morning. She's more upset with how Lafayette police responded.

"They showed up, laughed and drove off," said Robinson.

Lafayette Police Sergeant Perry Amos said the call was not handled properly by the responding officer.

"His concern was, he didn't know if there was something legally he could do. So, we talked about it and I did some research. He understands there are more things he could do. He felt more empowered to do some more," said Amos.

Sergeant Amos said the sculpture is in violation of a state statute and the homeowner could have faced charges.

"If they had not been removed, this actually comes up to a misdemeanor. So actually, there is a state fine, there's a state consequence, a charge. If you were to have that and they did not remove it, they possibly could be arrested for the 'A' misdemeanor," said Amos.

According to Amos, the sculptures fell under the state statute category of obscene matter. Under that code is a listing for "statues or other figures." The homeowners face no charges since the sculptures were torn down, but Amos said such a display is still unacceptable in the community.