Indiana's hunter harassment law under fire (5/16/2003)

Two anti-hunters in Indiana are preparing to challenge a law designed to protect hunters and anglers from harassment. They claim the law violates the First Amendment.

Frederick and Rosanne Shuger plan to argue that Indiana's hunter harassment law, which is based on a draft model written by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, is vague and violates the right to free speech. The couple is accused of harassing hunters on multiple occasions.

Garry Weiss, the Shuger's attorney, attempted to have the harassment charges dismissed on constitutional grounds, but Porter Superior Court Judge Julia Jent denied the request. He plans to appeal her ruling.

Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Bennett will argue that the Shugers' right to free speech has not been violated, as there are plenty of legal opportunities to voice opposition to hunting.

The Connecticut Supreme Court recently ruled 5-0 that its hunter harassment law does not infringe on the right to free speech and assembly.

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