Federal Court Strikes Down City Ordinance Limiting Free Speech

PASADENA — The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a major decision in a case the ACLU of Southern California filed in 2006. It struck down an ordinance in the city of Costa Mesa that limited free speech at its City Council meetings.

The decision said the ordinance was unconstitutional and that members of the public are free to express their thoughts and opinions whether they are critical or laudatory of their city government. This is a victory for individuals who can now freely and without fear address their local government.

Acosta CA9 Opinion