CT- Blogger to appear in Conn. court

6-22-2009 Connecticut:

WEST HARTFORD — A blogger is due in a Connecticut courtroom to face a charge of inciting violence against state lawmakers.

A judge is expected to arraign Harold "Hal" Turner of North Bergen, N.J., in Hartford Superior Court.

The 47-year-old former radio talk show host, who now broadcasts commentary on his Web site, urged his blog readers earlier this month to "take up arms" against Connecticut lawmakers and suggested government officials should "obey the Constitution or die."

Turner was angry over legislation that would have given lay members of Roman Catholic churches in Connecticut more control over their parishes' finances. The bill was withdrawn in March.

Turner's lawyer says the case is about freedom of speech. ..Source.. by AP