Second Circuit to hear oral argument Friday in Rumble’s free speech case

Rhea-AI Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will hear oral arguments regarding a lawsuit filed by Eugene Volokh, Rumble, and Locals against New York's law that restricts protected speech. The lawsuit aims to defend freedom of expression on social media platforms. The case highlights the importance of the First Amendment and the fight against government overreach in regulating online speech.

LONGBOAT KEY, FL, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  On February 16, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will hear oral argument on behalf of First Amendment professor and legal blogger Eugene Volokh and social media platforms Rumble and Locals. Volokh, Rumble, and Locals are represented by attorneys from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a national free speech group.

In December 2022, Volokh, Rumble, and Locals sued the state of New York after it enacted a law that forces websites to “respond [to],” “address” and “handle” protected speech that someone, somewhere finds “humiliating” or “vilifying” toward a group based on race, color, religion, or other protected categories. A federal judge ruled that New York’s law was likely unlawful, and after FIRE won an injunction against the law, New York appealed to the Second Circuit.

“The District Court correctly held that the New York law unconstitutionally targeted certain viewpoints, since there’s no ‘hate speech’ exception to the First Amendment,” said Volokh. “I expect the Second Circuit will agree.”

“New York’s law commands social media platforms to crack down on a variety of forms of protected speech, and fighting to defend that speech is the very reason Rumble exists,” said Rumble Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski. “We cannot let activist governments continue to chip away at the freedom of expression, which is one of the most basic of all human rights. We are grateful to our partners in this fight, Locals, Eugene Volokh, and FIRE, for helping to carry the torch of freedom with us.”

FIRE attorneys are available to discuss the upcoming arguments this week.

“Oral argument before the Second Circuit panel is an opportunity to show the court that New York’s unconstitutional overreach shouldn’t stand,” said FIRE Senior Attorney Jay Diaz. “We look forward to vindicating our clients’ right to manage their own online platforms as they see fit.”

Oral argument information:

Date:	February 16, 2024
Time:	10 AM ET
Location:	Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse
	40 Foley Square
	New York, NY 10007

Audio livestream of the arguments will be available here.  

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ABOUT FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

ABOUT RUMBLE

Rumble is a high-growth video platform and cloud services provider that is creating an independent infrastructure. Rumble’s mission is to restore the internet to its roots by making it free and open once again. For more information, visit: corp.rumble.com.

Contact: press@rumble.com

FAQ

What is the date of the oral argument regarding the lawsuit filed by Eugene Volokh, Rumble, and Locals against New York's law?

The oral argument is scheduled for February 16, 2024.

Who are the parties represented in the lawsuit against New York's law?

Eugene Volokh, Rumble, and Locals are represented by attorneys from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

What was the outcome of the federal judge's ruling on New York's law?

The federal judge ruled that New York's law was likely unlawful.

Why did Rumble's Chairman and CEO, Chris Pavlovski, mention that fighting to defend speech is the reason Rumble exists?

Rumble exists to defend protected speech, and New York's law commands social media platforms to crack down on various forms of protected speech.

Where will the oral argument take place?

The oral argument will take place at the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse in New York, NY.

What is the significance of the upcoming oral arguments according to FIRE Senior Attorney Jay Diaz?

The oral argument is an opportunity to show the court that New York's law is an unconstitutional overreach that should not stand.

Who is available to discuss the upcoming arguments this week?

FIRE attorneys are available to discuss the upcoming arguments before the Second Circuit panel.

What is the main reason for the lawsuit filed by Eugene Volokh, Rumble, and Locals against New York's law?

The lawsuit aims to defend the right to manage online platforms as the parties see fit and to protect freedom of expression.

What is the position of Eugene Volokh regarding the New York law targeting certain viewpoints?

Eugene Volokh believes that the New York law unconstitutionally targets certain viewpoints, as there is no 'hate speech' exception to the First Amendment.

Why is Rumble fighting to defend protected speech according to Chris Pavlovski?

Rumble is fighting to defend protected speech as it believes in upholding the freedom of expression, which is a fundamental human right.

Who are the partners in the fight against New York's law mentioned by Rumble's Chairman and CEO?

The partners in the fight against New York's law include Locals, Eugene Volokh, and FIRE.

What is the basis of the lawsuit filed by Eugene Volokh, Rumble, and Locals against New York's law?

The lawsuit is based on defending the right to manage online platforms and protecting freedom of expression against government overreach in regulating online speech.