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.

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