ACLU-MN asks Hennepin Co. to rescind Occupy rules
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is asking Hennepin County to rescind new restrictions on OccupyMN protesters.
The ACLU-MN contends the restrictions violate the protesters' First Amendment rights.
But a county spokeswoman says Hennepin County is rejecting the request. Carolyn Marinan says the government plaza occupied by protesters needs to be winterized, and she cites health and safety concerns.
Under the new restrictions, protesters at the downtown Minneapolis plaza will have to consolidate their possessions and can't leave them unattended or they'll be taken.
Signs will not be allowed to be taped to plaza property. And overnight sleeping won't be allowed once significant snow falls or the temperature falls below 25 degrees.
Friday marks one month since protesters occupied the plaza in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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