
In a court ruling that will be welcomed by patriots, the New Hampshire town of Conway’s attempt to silence free speech backfired when a federal judge decided that the town’s efforts to force a bakery to alter or remove a mural were unconstitutional.
See the tweet below!
This isn’t just a victory for the bakery, but a resounding win for the First Amendment and American values at large.
The mural in question adorned the wall of a beloved local bakery, painted by local high school students.
It charmingly depicted sunbeams shining over a fantasy mountain range made of colorful pastries, symbolizing the community’s spirit and creativity.
However, the town’s zoning board classified it as an oversized sign, arguing that its size violated the local code.
The mural, measuring about 90 square feet, was ordered to be modified or removed, or else the bakery owner would face misdemeanor charges.
The town argued that restrictions on sign sizes served to preserve community aesthetics and safety.
However, U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante saw through this argument, determining that the town’s sign code implementation was inconsistent.
By selectively regulating signage based on the content depicted, Conway officials undermined their own stated community interests.
The baker, Sean Young, chose to fight back, standing up for what he believed was an unjust infringement on his constitutional rights.
He sued, risking penalties to defend the students’ artistic expression and the mural’s value to the community.
His decision became a torchbearer for the little guy, carrying the beacon of free speech to the courtroom.
“I’m thrilled that the students’ artwork can remain up, I’m thrilled that my First Amendment rights have been vindicated, and I’m thrilled that the community can continue to enjoy the beautiful piece of art,” Young said, cited by AP News.
Judge Laplante’s ruling ordered the town of Conway to cease enforcing the restrictive sign code against the mural.
He emphasized the uneven application of the sign regulation undermined the town’s argument for preserving aesthetics and safety, casting doubt on the underlying motivations.
Conway’s lawyer expressed disappointment with the court’s decision while maintaining a commitment to constitutional rights and safety.
The tension between local governance and individual rights often highlights the discrepancies of government overreach, reminding us of the core American values our nation was built upon.
Sean Young only asked for a symbolic $1 in damages, underscoring the principle rather than monetary gain as the heart of this battle.
His victory ensured the mural remained, delighting both locals and tourists while reinforcing the message that free speech, creativity, and American ideals can triumph against bureaucratic interference.
Despite some community members’ concerns regarding overdevelopment, Young’s triumph sends a positive message. It affirms the rights of individuals, students, and small business owners to express their artistic visions without fear.
Bakery in New Hampshire wins in free speech case over a pastry shop painting: https://t.co/QnRj1mCR3Y #KAKEnews
— KAKE News (@KAKEnews) May 21, 2025