Appeals court rejects Minnesota corporate disclosure law

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal appeals court says a Minnesota law requiring disclosure of independent corporate political donations and spending is likely unconstitutional.

In a split decision Wednesday, the full 8th Circuit Court of Appeals backed a challenge filed by the anti-abortion group Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the Taxpayers League of Minnesota and a travel agency.

The appeals court endorsed their claim that the law impermissibly inhibits their freedom of speech, and it ordered the case sent back to a lower court for further proceedings.

However, the appeals court also upheld a Minnesota law that bans corporations from donating to political candidates.

A lawyer for the groups, James Bopp, calls the ruling a big victory.

A spokesman for Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says they're reviewing the ruling.

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