Colorado Springs defends panhandling ban

Judge will make ruling next week

POSTED: 10:23 AM MST Dec 13, 2012    UPDATED: 05:10 PM MST Dec 13, 2012 
DENVER, Colo. -

Colorado Springs officials were in federal court Thursday defending a recent panhandling ban from a free-speech challenge.

The  American Civil Liberties Union wants a temporary halt to the so-called "no-solicitation zone."

The ACLU argues that free speech is wrongly curbed by the ordinance approved last month in Colorado Springs. If approved, the temporary restraining order would prevent enforcement of the new law until the lawsuit is concluded.

Federal District Court Judge Marsha Krieger heard evidence from the ACLU of Colorado and the city of Colorado Springs on Thursday. 

The judge opted to make a ruling next week so she can review the case law. 

KRDO Newschannel 13's Emily Allen is tweeting from the courtroom. Follow along @KRDONC13.

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