Refusing to wear mask during COVID pandemic does not fall under freedom of speech, appeals court rules

The court said the refusal to wear a mask during a public health emergency did not constitute free speech

A federal appeals court ruled that New Jersey residents refusing to wear face masks at school board meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic is not protected speech under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.

The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a ruling Monday in two related cases in which lawsuits were brought against officials in Freehold and Cranford, New Jersey. The lawsuits were filed by George Falcone and Gwyneth Murray-Nolan.