Protest groups sue in Denver

DENVER, May 3 (UPI) -- Groups aiming to protest at the Democratic National Convention in Denver have filed a lawsuit, claiming the Secret Service and city are impeding free speech.

The suit, brought Friday to U.S. District Court, claims the Secret Service and city of Denver are thwarting many groups' plans to hold demonstrations at the August political convention by delaying security and permit regulations, The New York Times reported Saturday.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado reportedly is representing 12 groups involved in the legal action.

As the convention approaches, groups are putting pressure on the court to hurry the process of implementing regulations for demonstrations near Denver's Pepsi Center, where the convention will mainly take place.

Denver attorney, David Fine, said the city had no plans to get in the way of the public's right to free speech.

"No one has been denied the right to protest," he said. "We will review the plaintiffs' papers and respond as necessary."