Jackie Mason & New York Privacy Laws

Jackie Mason is suing Jews for Jesus. The evangelical group used Mr. Mason's image in one of its pamphlets.

The New York Times reports that Raoul Felder, Mr. Mason's lawyer, believes it is a violation of New York State civil rights law.

According to Section 50 of the New York Civil Rights law, "A person, firm or corporation that uses for advertising purposes, or for the purposes of trade, the name, portrait or picture of any living person without having first obtained the written consent of such person, or if a minor of his or her parent or guardian, is guilty of a misdemeanor."

New York state does not recognize any other privacy right than this one, the right of publicity. Looks like Jackie Mason has a good case.