The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Los Angeles allowed the Los Angeles Police to enforce a 13-year-old municipal ordinance to prevent members of the movement from seeking donations at the airport by lifting a preliminary injunction imposed in 1997.

Gina Marie Lindsay, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports said, "This is a huge step forward in ensuring the comfort and safety of the travelling public.”

She adds, "From now on, the travelling public will not have to worry about solicitations for money.”

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of California had filed a case in a federal court in May 1997 alleging that the municipal ordinance violated state constitutional guarantees of free speech.

In its ruling in March this year, the California Supreme Court said that solicitations of money in the terminals, parking areas and adjacent sidewalks are not protected speech under the state constitution.

Los Angeles Airport Chief of Police George R.Centeno said the lifting of the court injunction means airport police law enforcement can enforce the city laws.

He added, "This ruling allows us to exercise a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to solicitors asking for immediate donations.”

Organizations still can distribute literature and speak to willing travelers. They can even seek financial support, as long as they not request the immediate exchange of funds. Violators face a penalty of up to six months in jail or a fine of $1,000.