The Supreme Court has handed the National Rifle Association a win in a First Amendment ruling connected to New York state officials.
The high court unanimously agreed to reverse a lower-court ruling that tossed out the NRA's lawsuit against a former New York state official who urged banks and insurance companies to cut ties with the gun rights group.
Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo made the request following the 2018 mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school that left 17 people dead, CNN reported.
"Ultimately, the critical takeaway is that the First Amendment prohibits government officials from wielding their power selectively to punish or suppress speech, directly or (as alleged here) through private intermediaries," Justice Sonja Sotomayor wrote.
The ruling revives the NRA's suit that claims Vullo violated the group's free speech rights.
When Vullo was part of the Cuomo administration she issued guidance letters that urged companies regulated by the Department of Financial Services to evaluate risks "including reputation risks," that may arise from their dealings with the NRA.
Some companies reacted by cutting ties with the NRA. The group says the state blacklisted them and threatened the companies with retaliation if they didn't stop doing business with them.
It claims that violated the NRA's rights.
The opinion does not shield the NRA and other advocacy groups from regulation, the Associated Press reported.
