(Monroe, NC)—In a major win for free speech in North Carolina, the Liberty Justice Center has secured yet another First Amendment victory. This time, on behalf of Monroe resident Lisa Metzger–prompting the City of Monroe to overhaul the rules it used to silence and intimidate critics during City Council meetings.
In 2025, the City adopted and enforced new “Rules Governing Public Comment Period and Rules of Decorum During City Council Regular Meetings” that required speakers to verbally state their full personal primary residence address before offering remarks. Leading up to this decision, meetings were livestreamed and posted online, forcing citizens to broadcast their home addresses to the public as the price of speaking on matters of public concern.
Ms. Metzger and other citizens faced threats and harassment after participating in public comment and other speakers began forfeiting their time rather than expose their families by announcing their full home addresses on camera. This heinous overstep of power by Monroe’s city government violated the free speech rights of all participating members of these city council meetings.
Thanks to swift and timely efforts by the Liberty Justice Center, the case has reached a settlement. The City has agreed to end its requirement that speakers announce their full home addresses on the record before commenting and to repeal vague “decorum” rules that banned “insulting,” “rude,” “abusive,” and “personal” comments and “public ridicule” of officials.
“This settlement is a win for everyone. Ms. Metzger’s and all citizens’ First Amendment rights are vindicated and the City demonstrated that it is responsive to its constituents and willing correct its mistakes,” said Ryan Morrison, senior counsel at the Liberty Justice Center.
“I’m grateful to the Liberty Justice Center for helping bring a resolution and victory, not just for myself, but for all people who wish to speak at Monroe City Council meetings,” said Lisa Metzger. “The fact that people who wish to address the City Council will no longer have to give their home addresses before speaking, along with the repealing of vague decorum rules, is a win for free speech and the First Amendment.”
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, once the case is dismissed, the new speaking rules will take effect. The City does not admit liability, but its sweeping reforms effectively grant the relief Metzger sought: restoring robust protections for free speech and the right to petition during Monroe City Council meetings.
The Liberty Justice Center will continue to defend constitutional liberties throughout the country and is pleased to add another North Carolina victory to its belt–see Campbell vs. Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners and C.M. v. Davidson County Board of Education.
All case files in the Liberty Justice Center’s case Metzger v. City of Monroe can be found here. LJC’s continued efforts to protect and defend the First Amendment can be found here.