Federal judge bans media, public from major sex offender conference

A federal judge has barred the media and other members of the public from attending a legal parley on a case that will determine the future of Minnesota’s sex offender program, a ruling that immediately raised questions about public access and open government.

The ruling, issued Thursday, drew instant criticism from prominent lawmakers, the Star Tribune and advocates for open government, all of whom questioned why a meeting of such importance would be held in secret. Gov. Mark Dayton, who is expected to attend, said he thought it should be public. More than two dozen public officials, including Dayton and leaders from both legislative chambers, have been invited to attend the Aug. 10 conference and bring ideas for reforming the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP).

http://www.startribune.com/federal-judge-bans-media-public-from-major-sex-offender-conference/320223221/