Kansas State Fair and PETA Clash Over Booth Restriction

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) – The group People for the Ethical

Treatment of Animals is objecting to restrictions on its exhibit

next month at the Kansas State Fair, saying they amount to

unconstitutional censorship.

Fair officials say any videos or pictures of animals being

decapitated, dismembered or butchered must not be readily visible

outside PETA’s booth, so that fairgoers will have to make a

conscious choice to view the material.

PETA calls that a content-based restraint. It says the fair is a

public forum and cannot restrict viewpoints.

Fair general manager Denny Stoecklein responded Wednesday that

the fair "supports Kansas agriculture and sends a strong

pro-agriculture message."

He added, "We also provide an equal opportunity to all

individuals and organizations to apply for booth space and respect

an individual or organization’s First Amendment rights."