NEW ORLEANS — A significant legal battle concerning free speech rights is underway in the Eastern District of Louisiana, where the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), Inc., along with other plaintiffs, is challenging state officials over alleged First Amendment violations related to the state’s online age verification law. Late last week a telephone status conference was held by Judge Susie Morgan, setting the stage for a bench trial on November 18, 2024.

Present on the call were Jeffery Sandman and D. Gill Sperlein, who serve as counsel for Plaintiffs, including the Free Speech Coalition, Deep Connection Technologies, Charyn Pfeuffer, Elizabeth Hanson, and JFF Publications. For the defense, also present were Carey T. Jones and Morgan Brungard, who serve as counsel for Defendants Liz Murrill, Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, James Leblanc, the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and Taylor Barras, Commissioner of the Louisiana Division of Administration.

The lawsuit, filed against Murrill, Leblanc and Barras, seeks to address legal concerns raised by the Plaintiffs regarding Louisiana’s controversial online age verification law.

During the conference, a joint motion for a scheduling conference and entry of a scheduling order was granted by the court. This agreement paves the way for a structured timeline leading up to the trial, including a pretrial conference set for October 28, 2024.

Both parties have committed to holding a Rule 26(f) conference within the seven days of the conference, and completing their initial disclosures within 14 days, demonstrating a mutual interest in advancing the case efficiently.

This case highlights the ongoing legal debates surrounding free speech rights and the responsibilities of state officials in regulating or protecting these rights. With the trial date set, both legal teams will prepare to present their arguments in what promises to be a closely watched case by advocates for free speech and digital rights.

For more information about this case, you can read the full FSC complaint here. The minute entry resulting from the recent conference can be read here.