WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A federal court judge has barred the State of Florida from trying to block plans by a group of women to gather in a state park, strip nude and form a peace symbol with their bodies in protest of a U.S. war on Iraq.

U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks wrote an eleven-page order stating that "nude overtly political speech in the form of a 'living nude peace symbol' is expressive conduct well within the ambit of the First Amendment."

Middlebrooks also ruled, however, that the state could erect signs to notify the public that the protest would be taking place, or it could put screens around the demonstrators.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida went to court in defense of a naturist and a videographer who planned to record the event.

The demonstration is taking place this morning at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park on Singer Island, north of West Palm Beach.

© Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press

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