Capitol protesters settle federal lawsuit

Demonstrators from anti-hunger and disabled-rights groups have settled a federal court lawsuit — securing their right to hand out leaflets at the Utah Capitol.

The Anti-Hunger Action Committee and the Disabled Rights Action Committee filed their lawsuit in June. The lawsuit alleged the constitutional rights of lobbyists from both groups were violated during the 2006 legislative session when Utah Highway Patrol troopers said they couldn't hand out fliers and buttons, unless the items were requested.

In one instance officers threatened to arrest demonstrators.

"We were handing out information on Medicaid dental and the health consequences of not funding it, trying to educate the legislators," said Bill Germundson of Anti-Hunger Action Committee. "It was a little shocking. It was obvious that some of the people up there were trying to discourage us in our lobbying efforts."

U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart's settlement approval on Thursday ensures the groups may demonstrate on the Capitol plaza, including handing out leaflets, buttons and other information, although the agreement depends on new rules being adopted for such activities at the Capitol.

It is the second such lawsuit settled by the state this year.

In April the state paid $12,500 to settle a lawsuit with Eric Waters and David Berg of the Utah Animal Rights Coalition. The pair also alleged that during the legislative session UHP troopers prevented them from distributing leaflets opposing a hunting bill on the Capitol grounds.