UPDATE 11:41 am: A federal judge has sided with the Kansas State Fair in a free speech challenge filed by an animal-rights group.

U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten on Tuesday ruled the fair is a so-called “limited public forum.” He said fair officials acted reasonably in requiring People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to shield people walking by its booth from easily seeing images depicting animal slaughter.

PETA sued the state, the Kansas Fair Board and the fair’s general manager, arguing the restrictions violate its free speech rights.

But the judge also denied a motion by the state to dismiss PETA’s lawsuit.

 

ORIGINAL 6:15 AM: With the opening of the Kansas State Fair just days away, a federal court is taking up a free-speech case against the fair by an animal-rights group.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is seeking an order to block the fair from forcing it to shield people walking by its booth from easily seeing videos or photos depicting animal slaughter.

U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten scheduled arguments Tuesday in Wichita.

PETA sued the state, the Kansas Fair Board and the fair’s general manager arguing the restrictions violate its free speech rights.

The state is being defended by the office of Attorney General Derek Schmidt, which contends the limits are lawful.

The fair opens Friday in Hutchinson.