A 9-year-old girl who attended a council meeting in central Michigan to protest construction at a public park was silenced when trying to voice her opinion.

The Lansing State Journal reports that Charli Collison and her mother Kelly Collison went to a Lansing City Council meeting Monday to object the construction of a new golf course entrance through Ormond Park, a popular spot for children to play.

When Council President Patricia Spitzley asked if the public wanted to comment, she allowed four adults to speak but said no to Charli.

Spitzley says she doesn't think young children should be giving public comment.

Kelly Collison says the president's decision sends a message to youth that their voice is unimportant.

Attorney Herschel Fink says the decision violates the Open Meetings Act.

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