Federal Court Takes Up PETA Lawsuit: Update Judge Rules

UPDATE: A federal judge ruled Tuesday with the Kansas State Fair in its decision to shield people walking by a booth set up by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

PETA sued the state, the Kansas State Fair and the fair’s general manager, arguing it violated its free speech rights.

U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten ruled the fair is a so-called "limited public forum. "

He said State Fair officials acted reasonably in requiring People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to shield people walking by its booth from easily seeing images depicting animal slaughter.

But he also denied a motion by the state to dismiss PETA’s lawsuit.

With the opening of the Kansas State Fair just days away, a federal court is taking up a free-speech case against the fair by an animal-rights group. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is seeking an order to block the fair from forcing it to shield people walking by its booth from easily seeing videos or photos depicting animal slaughter. U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten scheduled arguments Tuesday in Wichita. PETA sued the state, the Kansas Fair Board and the fair’s general manager arguing the restrictions violate its free speech rights. The state is being defended by the office of Attorney General Derek Schmidt, which contends the limits are lawful. The fair opens Friday in Hutchinson.