Facebook 'Like' button ruled as constitutionally protected free speech

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia gave its ruling Wednesday 'Internet equivalent of displaying a political sign in one's front yard': The case has its roots in a sheriff's decision to fire workers who 'liked' his political opponents

By Ap Reporter

PUBLISHED: 16:44 EST, 18 September 2013 | UPDATED: 16:44 EST, 18 September 2013

Clicking 'Like' on Facebook is constitutionally protected free speech and can be considered the 21st century-equivalent of a campaign yard sign, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond reversed a lower court ruling that said merely 'liking' a Facebook page was insufficient speech to merit constitutional protection.

Exactly what a 'like' means if anything played a part in a Virginia case involving six people who say Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts fired them for supporting an opponent in his 2009 re-election bid, which he won. The workers sued, saying their First Amendment rights were violated.

Like it or not: A federal court has ruled that 'liking' something on Facebook is constitutionally protected free speech

Roberts said some of the workers were let go because he wanted to replace them with sworn deputies while others were fired because of poor performance or his belief that their actions 'hindered the harmony and efficiency of the office.'

One of those workers, Daniel Ray Carter, had 'liked' the Facebook page of Roberts' opponent, Jim Adams.

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Facebook 'Like' button ruled as constitutionally protected free speech