PETA Sues Kansas State Fair

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal is suing Kansas over restrictions imposed on its booth at this year’s Kansas State Fair.

The federal lawsuit filed Monday asks the court to prohibit interference with the group’s free speech rights at next month’s fair in Hutchinson. It also names the Kansas State Fair Board and fair general manager Denny Stoecklein as defendants.

Fair officials had demanded that PETA shield passersby from any videos or pictures depicting animal slaughter.

PETA contends the state fair is a public forum and its videos on livestock slaughtering are protected speech. It also seeks attorney and court costs.

PETA attorney Jeff Kerr says his group will defend the right to speak for animals.