Johnson County grand jury to hear 'sexting' statue case

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - A grand jury in Johnson County, Kan., will decide if a controversial "sexting" statue at the Overland Park Arboretum is promoting obscenity and indecency to children.

The bronze sculpture depicts a bare-breasted woman taking a picture of herself, and sits along the wooded walking trail at the public park.

The city already has said it does not believe the statue is obscenity.

But the American Family Association's Phil Cosby, who led the 8,000-signature petition drive to remove the statue, said the depiction of "sexting" -- not the nudity -- is obscene.

"What's disturbing is the government agency put this in front of a 7-year-old that's illegal for them to emulate" Cosby said.

Overland Park spokesman Sean Riley said the statue's Chinese artist intended the piece to send the opposite message, claiming the statue is a depiction of how sharing pieces of the body can be risky.

"The piece is saying: Don't do that. Value yourself, don't expose yourself," Riley said. "It's telling women to value themselves."

Cosby said he and at least 8,000 others believe the art is obscene because of its location.

"Just move it to a place more appropriate for adults," Cosby said.

The grand jury will be seated on Friday and hear the case starting Monday.

What do you think of the statue? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook page.