The government censoring Americans for voicing their opinions is a clear violation of First Amendment rights. Yet, that’s what the staff of the Yolo County Public Library did at an event organized by the local chapter of Moms for Liberty.
Moms for Liberty (M4L) and several other California civic organizations and individuals challenged the unconstitutional actions of Yolo County Public Library officials. Their suit argued that the library’s policies and practices violated First Amendment free speech rights by discriminating based on viewpoint. On May 14, 2024, those challenging the library staff’s unconstitutional actions prevailed, announcing a favorable settlement that scored a victory for free speech.
The case stemmed from a “Forum on Fair and Safe Sports for Girls” event organized by M4L in August of 2023 to discuss the issue of biological males competing in female sports. M4L paid to reserve public space in the library for the event. However, Library Regional Manager Scott Love invited disruptive protesters to the event and then shut down the Forum almost immediately after it began.
In addition to ending the August event after just a few minutes, Yolo County librarians actively organized opposition to plaintiffs’ events, directed protestors to attend meetings, failed to stop repeated disruptions, and contacted law enforcement to urge action against the speakers to make it difficult for the plaintiffs to use library meeting rooms.
The lawsuit sought injunctions against continued enforcement of the library’s unconstitutional policies and practices, both generally and against the plaintiff organizations and individuals. Ultimately, the settlement successfully changed the library’s policies. To read our full press release about the filing of the case, Moms for Liberty-Yolo County v. Lopez, click here. To read the full press release announcing the settlement, click here.
