MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – A state appeals court ruled Thursday morning that it was unconstitutional to force protest singers at the State Capitol to get a permit.
The 4th District Appellate Court in Madison agreed with a Dane County circuit judge’s decision to throw out a citation against Michael Crute of Middleton.
He was ticketed in 2013 for conducting a demonstration without a state permit, after he joined in the Solidarity Singers’ then-daily noon-hour protests against state Republicans and Governor Scott Walker.
At the time, state rules barred people from watching or taking part in events at state buildings which did not obtain permits.
The appellate court said the regulations were not narrowly written to advance a significant interest on the part of state government.
The American Civil Liberties Union reached a settlement with the state in the fall of 2013 which allowed smaller Capitol events without permits.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
