NEW ORLEANS, LA — New Beginnings owner/former Free Speech Coalition (FSC) president Lenny Friedlander died in his home earlier this week. Friedlander’s funeral was held yesterday.New Beginnings is one of the largest distributors of adult product in the United States. The Free Speech Coalition released the following statement regarding Friedlander’s death:

“The passing of Lenny Friedlander is a great tragedy for civil rights in America, the adult industry, the Free Speech Coalition, and especially his countless friends and beloved family. As a former President of FSC, and one of its earliest supporters and board members, Lenny’s contributions are immeasurable. His leadership and dedication were responsible for the organization’s growth and major successes. He was President during the World Pornography Conference, at the filing of the challenge to an unconstitutional Federal law which resulted in the historic Ashcroft vs. FSC victory in the US Supreme Court, and participated in the FSC’s successful challenge to secondary producer record keeping requirements of 18 U.S.C. § 2257 in the Colorado litigation. His willingness to have New Beginnings as a named plaintiff, knowing that this would result in hours of depositions and the risk of increased Federal scrutiny, was based on his commitment to the health and the rights of all of the participants in the adult industry. When he turned his legendary salesmanship to fundraising for FSC, the trade association received an irreplaceable gift. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him. A true giant of a man, we mourn his loss as we celebrate his extraordinary life.

Please remember his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Friedlander’s family has requested that donations be made to the Free Speech Coalition in lieu of flowers or cards. Information on doing that can be viewed at FreeSpeechCoalition.com.