The American Civil Liberties sued the city in September on behalf of the Traditionalist American Knights of the KKK. The suit claimed the city’s ban on leafleting unoccupied vehicles violates Klan members’ free speech rights under the First Amendment.

U.S. District Judge John A. Ross issued a temporary injunction in late September. On Thursday, he made the injunction permanent.

ACLU attorney Anthony Rothert says leafleting vehicles is a “cheap and effective way” to reach large audiences regardless of who is sending the message.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger declined comment.

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