Wyoming: Free Speech Not Stifled In Abortion Case

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state of Wyoming denies that its policy governing the display of materials in a tunnel leading to the state Capitol blocked an anti-abortion group from exercising its constitutionally protected free speech.

The state filed a response Monday urging U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal to rule against WyWatch Family Action in a lawsuit the group filed against the state in January.

WyWatch claims the State Building Commission discriminated against it by ordering removal of anti-abortion materials from the tunnel last year. The commission last month banned all displays in the tunnel.

Lawyer Jonathan Scruggs represents WyWatch Family Action. He says the state’s admission that its old policy was vague should help his case.

The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office declines comment on the lawsuit.