Press Release: Legal Victory Upholds First Amendment Rights in Utah
April 25, 2025 – In a landmark ruling, a Utah judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Republican candidate Goud Maragani against Equality Utah, affirming protections for free speech under the state’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA). The ruling, delivered by Judge Kara Pettit, prevents Maragani from refiling his case, which accused the LGBTQ+ advocacy group of damaging his reputation through the dissemination of his anti-transgender remarks to his employer, Lucid Software.
Equality Utah’s Executive Director, Troy Williams, hailed the decision, stating, "Both the rule of law and the First Amendment prevailed today." The organization emphasized that the case was an attempt to silence their advocacy for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community, asserting it aimed to protect individuals from harassment, especially concerning their transgender rights.
Maragani, known for his anti-transgender commentary, claimed that Equality Utah’s actions led to his termination. His lawsuit was backed by the America First Legal Foundation, an organization associated with Trump adviser Stephen Miller, which has been involved in various legal actions against schools and policies supporting transgender rights.
The court’s decision highlighted that Maragani’s public statements on transgender issues were under scrutiny, and communications regarding these statements served a public interest. Judge Pettit noted the importance of protecting the rights of individuals and organizations to speak on matters of political and social concern.
While Maragani’s camp criticized the ruling as a protective measure for "woke ideology," Equality Utah remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for dignity and legal equality for all.
This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights in Utah, reaffirming the necessity of safeguarding free speech against attempts of intimidation and misrepresentation.
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