A federal judge has decided that Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) are allowed to continue with their legal action against two California cities that called off their political gatherings.
U.S. District Judge Hernán Vera ruled Friday that the two lawmakers can move forward with their suit, which contends that the California cities showed prejudice against them based on their political beliefs. Vera also stated that Gaetz and Greene’s attempts to blame civil rights organizations were a “misguided effort to settle political scores.”
Three California venues that were set to host “Put America First” rallies in 2021 called off their plans due to worries about the lawmakers’ divisiveness. The event was initially planned for Laguna Hills, then moved to Riverside and ultimately to Anaheim.
The Republicans convened a “Free Speech Peaceful Protest” outside the Riverside City Hall, where more than 100 people gathered holding signs supporting the lawmakers.
Gaetz and Greene, two of the most vocal members of the House Republican Conference, have gained attention as disruptors in the GOP and for their support of former President Trump.
The City of Riverside tried to dismiss the lawsuit. Vera argued that the lawmakers have “sufficiently alleged” that Riverside delegated its final policymaking and they can move forward with the suit.
The groups named as co-defendants in the lawsuit with the cities include the League of Women Voters, the NAACP, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Unidos for La Causa, and Women’s March Action, among others, MSNBC first reported.
