Judge strikes down Cuba ordinance in Miami-Dade County

MIAMI (CNN) -- A federal judge Tuesday struck down Miami-Dade County's Cuba Ordinance, which prevents groups from doing business with Cuba if they receive cultural assistance from the county.

The ordinance stipulates that all groups seeking cultural grants from Miami-Dade or seeking to use county facilities for cultural or artistic performances must sign a Cuba Affidavit, which bars them from doing business with Cuba or with people who do business with Cuba.

The American Civil Liberties Union challenged the ordinance in April on behalf of several cultural groups which wanted to be considered for grants but were unwilling to sign the affidavit.

Judge Frederico Moreno later this week was to issue a permanent injunction barring Miami-Dade from enforcing the Cuba Ordinance and Resolutions, including the use of the Cuba Affidavit.

"Judge Moreno has initiated a new day in Miami for tolerance, diversity and freedom in the arts," said Howard Simon, Executive Director of the ACLU's Florida affiliate.

In June, the Supreme Court unanimously declared unconstitutional a similar law from Massachusetts, which restricted purchases from companies doing business with Myanmar. The justices said the law interfered with the federal government's exclusive power to set foreign policy and regulate foreign commerce.

For more US news, myCNN.com will bring you news from the areas and subjects you select.

See related sites about US

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.