Cities sued over door-to-door restrictions

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A consumer advocacy group has filed a pair of federal lawsuits challenging two Indiana cities' restrictions on door-to-door fundraising and membership drives.

The Citizens Action Coalition filed lawsuits Thursday against Yorktown and Jeffersonville in U.S. District Court in New Albany. The suits say the cities' licensing requirements are unconstitutional.

The Indianapolis-based coalition is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana.

Jeffersonville's ordinance requires political and religious groups that go door-to-door raising funds or distributing leaflets to obtain a license that can cost up to $500 per individual for a one-year permit. The Yorktown fee is $150 plus $50 per day per person.

The rules also set other restrictions, including hours, and include exceptions for veterans, auctioneers and farmers selling produce.

Officials from both cities declined to comment.