Minnesota is joining a lawsuit to challenge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to repeal the net neutrality rules, according to reports.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson (D) told Minnesota Public Radio and other outlets that repealing the rules could hurt consumers and political speech online.

The rules prevented internet service providers from blocking or throttling web content or creating internet fast lanes.

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The FCC voted to repeal the rules in a party-line vote earlier this month. Republican Chairman Ajit Pai and the broadband industry argued the Obama-era consumer protections were too heavy-handed.

It could take months before the repeal goes into effect and opposing parties have to wait until new rules are approved by the Office of Management and Budget before they can file a lawsuit.