State Supreme Court Invalidates Law That Bars Meeting Disturbance

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court says part of a disorderly conduct law that bars people from disturbing public meetings is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment.

The ruling comes in the case of a Little Falls woman who was escorted from a City Council meeting and charged with disorderly conduct after she refused to sit in the gallery.

In Wednesday’s ruling, the Supreme Court invalidated the law, saying it’s overbroad. The justices sent the case back to the lower court with an order to vacate Robin Hensel’s conviction.

Hensel’s attorney, Kevin Riach, says the ruling is a victory for free speech at a time when democratic values are under attack and public dissent is critical.

An attorney who represented the state says they are disappointed with the decision and evaluating its impact.