Fed judge OKs 'tent city' in G-20 protesters' suit

DAN NEPHIN

The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH - A federal judge in Pittsburgh ordered the city to allow an anti-war group to use a state park during next week's Group of 20 economic summit but denied two other groups' requests.

U.S. District Judge Gary Lancaster on Thursday approved Code Pink's request to erect a "tent city" in Point State Park to draw attention to war refugees.

But Lancaster ruled against the anti-war Thomas Merton Center's request to rally on a bridge near the summit, saying the city has a safety interest in refusing the request.

Lancaster also denied Three Rivers Climate Convergence request to camp in a park for a sustainability festival, saying camping wasn't protected expressive speech.

Representatives of the denied groups said they would continue talks with the city.