by TChris

A federal appellate court ruled yesterday that the free speech rights of protestors were violated when they were herded into a "free expression zone" more than 200 feet from the people to whom they hoped to convey their message. Animal rights activists brought the lawsuit after their efforts to protest at San Francisco's Cow Palace were limited.

The state said it was necessary to cordon protesters to assure the flow and safety of vehicle and foot traffic. But the court said that was unnecessary, because few protesters show up at the Grand National Rodeo and Stock Show, and the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.

While the state argued that a "free expression zone" gives protestors the opportunity to interact with any member of the public who wants to listen, the court held that the zones were "more likely to give the impression to passers-by that these are people to be avoided."