Ruidoso Village Council |
A
federal judge has come down hard on Ruidoso officials who tried to ban
residents from saying anything negative at council meetings.
U.S.
District Judge James O. Browning issued an injunction Monday finding that the village of Ruidoso 's rule or policy barring
speakers from being critical is "an unconstitutional burden on free
speech."
Under the village rules, a speaker could praise personnel, staff
or the village council, or could make a neutral comment, but could not voice
criticism.
In an 89-page opinion, Browning granted summary judgment to lawyer
William Griffin, who sued after the council refused his request to speak at a
meeting. Browning said limits can be placed on time and topic, but not on the
speaker's opinion.
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