The Utah Animal Rights Coalition filed the lawsuit in 3rd District Court on Friday after two of its members were allegedly banned Wednesday from carrying political signs during a demonstration on the third floor outside the doors of the House of Representatives chambers.

The civil suit claims Utah Highway Patrol troopers, who provide security for the building, told the two animal rights activists that they could protest in the area but could not hold signs. The troopers threatened to order the pair off the Capitol grounds, banish them from returning, issue citations or arrest them for criminal conduct, the lawsuit claims. They were also told they could not protest unless they had a permit.

The suit lists the State of Utah as a defendant, as well as three troopers, the Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner, the UHP superintendent and the a member of the Capitol Preservation Board.

The two activists claim their rights to free speech and to petition the government were violated and that they had a legal right to protest without a permit.

Among other things, the suit demands a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction against the defendants and requests monetary damage in an amount to be determined at trial.

The animal rights coalition and two other groups, represented by attorney Brian Barnard, successfully sued the State of Utah in 2006 over similar issues. Rules for demonstrations at the Capitol complex were revised and Barnard was awarded $16,000 in attorney fees.

jbergreen@sltrib.com