Wild Horse First Amendment Case in Reno on February 19

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A significant legal battle is set to unfold on February 19 in Reno, Nevada, where a federal judge will determine if the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) violated the First Amendment rights of a photographer and wild horse protection advocate. The case centers around restricted access to mustang roundups, raising questions about media freedom and public transparency.

Background of the Case

The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals previously ruled in favor of Laura Leigh, a prominent advocate for wild horses, and instructed Judge Larry Hicks in Reno to reassess the constitutionality of BLM's media access restrictions during roundups.

Legal Arguments

Lawyers representing both the government and Leigh's organization, Wild Horse Education, informed Judge Hicks that they have been unable to reach an out-of-court settlement. The BLM maintains that Leigh was given the same level of access as any other member of the public, arguing that the restrictions were essential for ensuring the safety of both the horses and observers.

For more details, visit the original article by The San Francisco Chronicle.