Pennsylvania court bans the ban

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court outlawed City Council's ban on public comments at regular Council meetings, the Philadelphia Inquirer reporterd. The court ruled that Council was in violation of the state's 1993 Sunshine Act, which requires "a reasonable opportunity" for residents and taxpayers at meetings "to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the board or council prior to taking official action." Council President Anna C. Verna, who argued that Council provided "ample opportunity" for comment at public hearings, said Council was disappointed in the ruling.Dissenting opinion. Three justices dissented.