Federal judge blocks Lawrence Co. prohibition on petition gathering at public buildings

A Federal Judge has issued a temporary restraining order that stops the enforcement of petition circulation prohibitions at key public buildings in Lawrence County.

Judge Roberto Lange cited the esemblance to a recent ruling in Minnehaha County in favor of Dakotans for Health as part of the basis for the restraining order. The order is a response to a lawsuit filed earlier last week by Dakotans for Health against the Lawrence County Commission. The order will remain in effect until the parties appear in federal court on July 6th.

The lawsuit claims current rules prohibit petition circulation and other First Amendment activity in and around the Lawrence County Administrative Office and adjoining buildings except for an unfrequented courtyard.

Dakotans for Health is actively circulating petitions on abortion rights and to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries.

June 26, 2023