Court sets hearing on PETA lawsuit against Kansas State Fair

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - The federal judge overseeing a lawsuit filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has scheduled a hearing next week in the case.

PETA is asking the court to block the Kansas State Fair from forcing it to shield fairgoers from images depicting animal slaughter displayed in the group's booth.

U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten will hear arguments Tuesday, just days before the Sept. 7 opening of the fair.

PETA on Monday sued the Kansas Fair Board, the state and the fair's general manager, Denny Stoecklein.

The animal rights group argues the restrictions violate its free speech rights. The state attorney general's office contends the restrictions are lawful.

Marten has been known as a staunch defender of First Amendment rights since taking the federal bench.