In a significant affirmation of First Amendment rights and religious freedom, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled San Diego’s ban on outdoor yoga unconstitutional. The court sided with yoga instructors Steven Hubbard and Amy Baack, who challenged the city’s ordinance prohibiting yoga classes of four or more participants in public parks and beaches.
Baack reflected on the ruling, saying, “It’s hard to feel powerless, which is how it felt when the city began shutting everything down. But I firmly believe that you can fight back and get things overturned, which we proved.”
Hubbard, who faced repeated citations for teaching yoga from his own backyard, condemned the ban as an overreach. “It’s pretty questionable when park rangers come to someone’s home and demand they step outside to sign a ticket,” he said. “It’s a blatant violation of free speech.”
The Ninth Circuit panel dismissed the city’s safety concerns, stating there was no “plausible connection between plaintiffs teaching yoga and any threat to public safety and enjoyment in the city’s shoreline parks.” The court underscored the constitutional protection, declaring, “Teaching yoga is speech protected by the First Amendment.”
Baack recounted being stopped by park rangers at Sunset Cliffs with no explanation. “They couldn’t even cite the ordinance or provide documentation when shutting down my classes,” she said.
For both instructors, the legal battle extended beyond yoga. “The community’s devastation was clear through social media responses,” Baack said. “This was about something much bigger than just me.”
Rooted in Hindu spiritual tradition, yoga has long been celebrated for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, aiming to unify mind, body, and spirit. Hubbard, a 17-year veteran instructor recognized by city officials, emphasized the overwhelming community support. Amy Reichert called the ruling “a victory for the First Amendment and common sense.”
Baack urged the city to recognize yoga’s value. “Yoga classes are a gift to the city, enriching rather than detracting from the community,” she said.
Following the ruling, both instructors are hopeful the city will not pursue the case further. “The Ninth Circuit made clear this ban violates our First Amendment rights, and continuing the fight is not in the city’s best interest,” Baack concluded.
San Diego city officials did not respond to requests for comment.
