In a bold move to protect free speech rights, a resident of Oakboro, North Carolina, has taken legal action against the City of Monroe and its mayor. Lisa Metzger filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina on November 5, 2025, challenging the city’s public comment rules at council meetings. The lawsuit targets Mayor Robert Burns and alleges that these rules infringe upon First Amendment rights by imposing unreasonable requirements on speakers and shielding council members from criticism.
Lisa Metzger regularly attends Monroe city council meetings to voice her opinions during the public comment period. However, she claims that participants are compelled to disclose their home addresses before speaking, which she argues “chills” free speech due to fears of retaliation or property damage. Metzger asserts that this requirement leaves speakers vulnerable while protecting council members through vague prohibitions against behaviors like “yelling,” being “rude,” or using “abusive language.” She believes these restrictions are designed to intimidate individuals from speaking out on public issues and criticizes the arbitrary enforcement of such rules.
Metzger’s lawsuit highlights several instances where individuals were deterred from participating in public comments due to these requirements. For example, at a July 8, 2025 meeting, William Wolfe forfeited his speaking time rather than risk his family’s safety by disclosing his address online. Similarly, another attendee expressed concern about endangering herself by providing her personal address. Metzger also cites her own experiences with harassment and threats following disclosures made under these rules.
The plaintiff is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from the court to prevent further enforcement of these regulations. She requests an order permanently enjoining the defendants from requiring speakers to disclose their personal primary residence addresses and prohibiting them from making insulting or rude comments directed toward city officials. Additionally, Metzger seeks nominal damages of $17.91 and coverage for attorney fees.
Representing Lisa Metzger are attorneys Nathan Wilson from Fox Rothschild LLP and Ryan Morrison from Liberty Justice Center. The case is presided over by judges in the Western District of North Carolina under Case No. 3:25-cv-891.
Source: 325cv00891_Metzger_v_City_of_Monroe_Complaint_Western_District_North_Carolina.pdf
