Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming Building Commission voted yesterday to outlaw public displays and demonstrations following the presentation of anti-abortion placards.

The placards were located in an underground tunnel leading into the State Capitol, but following the 2-1 vote, public displays and promotions will no longer be permitted on capitol complex buildings.

Representative Amy Edmonds, R-Cheyenne, says the policy change is an overreaction and infringes on free speech.  "That's the area where groups who would like to at least have some access, get that access, so it's unfortunate."

Secretary of State Max Maxfield says the displays will be removed from the tunnel connecting the Herschler building and the State Capitol, but can still be displayed in the Herschler building.

Edmonds says the Herschler building is not the same as the tunnel. "We're just getting them away from where they have access to elected officials. That's what I think is inappropriate."

Maxfield says the policy protects the tunnel’s function as a “protected and secure thoroughfare for foot traffic” between the two buildings and it has limited space.

In addition, Maxfield said it's not fair for the state to have to decide among the many groups applying to use the tunnel.  "We're not in a position where we can make decisions on what groups can use it and what groups can't."

 

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