ALCU Sues to Block Super Bowl "Clean Zone"

The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana is suing to block the city of New Orleans from maintaining a so-called "clean zone" where the use of banners, signs and flags will be restricted during Super Bowl festivities.

The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit Thursday on behalf of an activist and a street preacher who claim the city's enforcement of a new ordinance and a code enforcement guide will trample on their free speech rights and limit their activities in the days leading up to the Feb. 3 game.

The ACLU claims the city adopted the new policies at the behest of the NFL.

A federal judge didn't immediately act on the group's request for a court order barring the city from enforcing the "clean zone" limits.