That's Refreshing!

A federal judge in Manhattan Thursday struck down a city regulation governing the number of protesters allowed on the steps of City Hall, ruling that the city had unfairly restricted access to a favored spot for everything from demonstrations to news conferences.

New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been barring protestors from the steps because of what he cites as increased security needs. The judge blasted the city for allowing certain events, like the Yankees' world series victory celebration, on the steps, while restricting others, such as the World AIDS Day commemoration.

The judge said security concerns could be met without restricting free speech through means such as metal detectors.