Covid-19 Vaccine Free Speech Suit to Get First Circuit Look

A Rhode Island oral surgeon is appealing the dismissal of a lawsuit alleging that state officials shut down his practice because he spoke out against Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

Stephen Skoly notified the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island on Thursday that he will ask the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to allow him to proceed on a claim that the officials unlawfully retaliated against him for exercising his free speech rights.

Judge Mary S. McElroy orally dismissed Skoly’s First Amendment suit following oral arguments July 20. She didn’t issue a written opinion.

Skoly practices ...