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OREM, Utah (AP) -- The A-C-L-U has joined a lawsuit accusing the Utah County sheriff of wrongfully raiding two dance parties in Spanish Fork Canyon.
The main concern of the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah is what it calls unjust stereotypes about electronic music parties and those who attend them. Anjuli Verma with the A-C-L-U says for whatever reason, there's become a connection to this type of music to drugs, which is unfounded.
However, county officers say they were justified in breaking up the August concert because organizers lacked necessary permits. Officials also say undercover officers at the concerts spotted the sale and use of illegal drugs.
Attorney Peter Stirba, who's representing the county in the lawsuit, says it doesn't bother him that the A-C-L-U has joined the lawsuit. He says he believes everything the sheriff's office did was justified.
Civil-rights attorney Brian Barnard plans to represent party promoters and attendees of the Spanish Fork Canyon parties that took place in July and August.
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Information from: Deseret Morning News
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
