A federal judge ruled that Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) can proceed with their lawsuit against two California cities that canceled their political events.
U.S. District Judge Hernán Vera ruled Friday that the two lawmakers can move forward with their suit, which argues the California cities discriminated against them based on their political views. While they’re able to proceed, Vera argued that Gaetz and Greene’s attempts to blame civil rights organizations were a “misguided effort to settle political scores.”
Three California venues that were slated to hold “Put America First” rallies in 2021 canceled their plans amid concerns over the divisiveness of the lawmakers. The event was originally planned to be held in Laguna Hills, then moved to Riverside and finally 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 outspoken members of the House Republican Conference, have made headlines as disruptors in the GOP and for their backing of former President Trump.
The City of Riverside sought 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.