(The Center Square) – First Amendment rights for a resident in a North Carolina community just outside of Charlotte have been won in litigation.
The city of Monroe has agreed to a settlement with Lisa Metzger. At issue was a requirement for public comments made at city council meetings to be preceded with a pronouncement of primary home address.
That step has been ended, as has rules related to decorum. The previous rule forbid language described as “insulting,” “rude,” “abusive,” “personal” and “public ridicule” when speaking of town officials.
“I’m grateful to the Liberty Justice Center for helping bring a resolution and victory, not just for myself, but for all people who wish to speak at Monroe City Council meetings,” Metzger said, referring to the law firm taking her case. “The fact that people who wish to address the City Council will no longer have to give their home addresses before speaking, along with the repealing of vague decorum rules, is a win for free speech and the First Amendment.”
Metzger’s complaint sought to restore “robust protections for free speech and the right to petition during Monroe City Council meetings.”
The updated rules are effective once a judge has formally dismissed the case pursuant to the settlement of the parties.
The city of Monroe is not required to admit liability.
