US appeals court orders dismissal of NRA lawsuit against New York official

NEW YORK, July 17 (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Thursday ordered the dismissal of the National Rifle Association's lawsuit accusing a New York state official of violating its free speech rights by coercing banks and insurers to avoid doing business with the gun rights group.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said Maria Vullo, a former superintendent of New York's Department of Financial Services, had qualified immunity against the NRA's claims under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.