FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A Lakota tribal member said he was forced to leave a Fort Collins City Council meeting this week after officials told him his traditional eagle staff was obstructing other attendees’ view, sparking a dispute over religious expression and meeting procedures.
Rory Spotted Horse, who lives in Fort Collins and belongs to the Lakota tribe, attended the council meeting to give public comment about land use issues, but said he never got the opportunity to speak. The incident was captured on cell phone video showing Spotted Horse telling officials, “I’m gonna be very clear on this, you have violated the First Amendment.”
The conflict began when Spotted Horse brought his eagle staff into the council chambers. According to the city council’s online video, an official stated, “Our rules specifically preclude things that are attached to sticks.”…