The US city of San Diego’s ban on yoga classes was ruled unconstitutional by a federal appeals court, which found the activity protected by the First Amendment.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the city failed to show a “plausible connection between plaintiffs teaching yoga and any threat to public safety and enjoyment in the city’s shoreline parks.” The ruling overturns an earlier decision in the city’s favour.

The ban had stemmed from an ordinance aimed at street vendors, which also barred other commercial activities — like group yoga — without a permit. It was challenged by instructors Steven Hubbard and Amy Baack, who argued it violated their constitutional rights.

“Teaching yoga is protected speech,” the panel wrote, adding that the ordinance directly targeted that right.

The city argued the restrictions supported public safety and enjoyment, but the court found no evidence linking yoga instruction to any disruption. A spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office said the ruling is under review.

Hubbard and Baack have also filed a state lawsuit, claiming the city cited Hubbard for livestreaming yoga classes from his home, allegedly because they could be viewed from a public park.