Occupy Columbia Protesters Sue Governor Haley

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Several Occupy Columbia protesters arrested last week for refusing to leave the Statehouse grounds sued South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and state public safety officials on Wednesday, saying their First Amendment rights were trampled when they were arrested for demonstrating on public property. Meanwhile, a circuit judge granted a request from the protesters to resume their 24-7 occupation at the Statehouse until a hearing in the case scheduled for Dec. 1. The order also allows protesters to have tents on the grounds for the first time. Noting that Occupy Columbia is composed of peaceful protesters, the lawsuit alleges that Haley blames the protesters for damage to Statehouse grounds because she doesn’t agree with their message.