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The Modesto Bee
Modesto reaches tentative settlement in lawsuit over controversial protest mask ban
Modesto has reached a tentative settlement in a lawsuit challenging its controversial ordinance banning face coverings and certain protective equipment at public demonstrations, potentially ending a months-long legal battle over protesters’ First Amendment rights. City officials announced Tuesday that a settlement in principle had been reached in the lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California on behalf of the Pacific Media Workers Guild and three individuals against the city and Modesto Police Chief Brandon Gillespie. As part of the proposed agreement, the Modesto City Council will consider removing the ordinance’s prohibition on face coverings, creating an exemption allowing journalists to wear protective equipment while covering public assemblies and modifying existing restrictions on helmets. The proposed amendments will be considered at a special City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. “The parties are working to finalize the settlement agreement,” the city said in a statement posted to its social media accounts Tuesday. All other requirements of the city’s public assembly ordinance would remain in place, according to the statement. The agreement marks a significant development in a legal dispute that has drawn criticism from civil liberties organizations, journalists and local activists who argued
The Stockton Record
