Appeals Court Rules Mask Refusal Not Protected by First Amendment

In landmark cases, the court found that refusing to wear a mask during a public health emergency does not constitute free speech.

The federal appeals court ruled against individuals who defied mask mandates at school board meetings, stating that such actions are not protected under the First Amendment.
The ruling stemmed from two separate cases in New Jersey, where plaintiffs faced legal consequences for not wearing masks and claimed retaliation.
One plaintiff was issued a summons for trespassing, while another was arrested on a defiant trespass charge for attending meetings without a mask.
The court emphasized that the First Amendment does not extend to non-compliance with public health mandates during an emergency.
Appellants plan to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, challenging the appeals court's decision.