COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Colorado Springs municipal court jury has acquitted anti-tax activist Douglas Bruce of trespassing at a Costco store in August.

The jury acquitted Bruce and fellow anti-tax activist Doug Stinehagen on Tuesday.

The two had gone to Costco to gather signatures for a ballot proposal requiring the city to phase out funds it receivesinstead off taxes from city-owned enterprises. Voters approved the measure.

Prosecutors say the men were given several opportunities to leave the store property before a police officer issued them tickets.

Bruce argued his civil rights were violated.

Bruce is the author of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, a voter-approved amendment limiting government revenue and spending.

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Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com