'Bigfoot' claims free speech violation

KEENE, N.H., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- A man who was kicked out of a New Hampshire state park for filming a video while in a Bigfoot costume filed a complaint alleging a First Amendment violation.

Jonathan Doyle of Keene, N.H., said he was filming an absurdist video featuring himself as a Sasquatch and friends in costumes including a pirate and a Yoda-like character on Mount Monadnock when a park ranger ordered them to leave because they did not have a permit to perform at the park, The Keene Sentinel reported Wednesday.

However, Doyle said the rules governing the permits are vague and he filed a complaint with the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union Foundation alleging his First Amendment rights were violated by the ejection from the park.

New Hampshire law requires special-use permits for any "organized or special events which go beyond routine recreational activities."

Barbara Keshen, staff attorney for the foundation, said in a letter to George Bald, commissioner of New Hampshire's Department of Resources and Economic Development, that the permit rule gives park directors "unchecked discretion."

"The permit requirement is unconstitutionally broad on its face and as applied to Mr. Doyle and his production team," the letter read.

Doyle said he is seeking an apology from the park and the chance to finish his movie.