A Tarrant County gun rights group is suing the City of Arlington for amending an ordinance that bars people from handing out printed material at busy intersections and on busy roads.

The federal suit Wednesday from the group Open Carry Tarrant County contends the ordinance violates free speech rights by unfairly keeping its members from passing out literature and pocket-size copies of the Constitution to motorists.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports group members have been demonstrating while carrying flags, long-barreled guns and black-powder revolvers. Attorney Warren Norred said Arlington officials don't like the demonstrations.

The ordinance has been on the books since 1994. City officials said it has nothing to do with the gun rights organization and is intended to protect pedestrians and motorists.