read to mean vs read as meaning

[Allen165]

Which is better: "read to mean" or "read as meaning"?

Accordingly, although the Court stated that such rules do not constitute a restriction on the freedom to provide services, this should be read to mean that they constitute a justifiable restriction; whether the restriction is justified or not hinges on the proportionality of the rules in question.

Accordingly, although the Court stated that such rules do not constitute a restriction on the freedom to provide services, this should be read as meaning that they constitute a justifiable restriction; whether the restriction is justified or not hinges on the proportionality of the rules in question.

Thanks.

[Raymott]

Which is better: "read to mean" or "read as meaning"?

Accordingly, although the Court stated that such rules do not constitute a restriction on the freedom to provide services, this should be read to mean that they constitute a justifiable restriction; whether the restriction is justified or not hinges on the proportionality of the rules in question.

Accordingly, although the Court stated that such rules do not constitute a restriction on the freedom to provide services, this should be read as meaning that they constitute a justifiable restriction; whether the restriction is justified or not hinges on the proportionality of the rules in question.

Thanks.

I prefer the former, but they are both possible.

[bhaisahab]

I agree with Raymott.