Freedom Updates
Advocates in Action
Press Release | An African-American Pastor Was Removed from a Board on Police and Community Relations Because of His Religious Beliefs
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
CONTACT: nicole velasco @
media@faith-freedom.COM
Murrieta, CA – Today, a lawsuit was filed by Advocates for Faith and Freedom on behalf of Pastor Dennis Hodges, who was removed from an advisory board on police and community relations in San Diego County because of his deeply held religious convictions. This lawsuit alleges the Mayor violated Pasto-r Hodges’s First Amendment Rights by removing him from the commission because of his religious beliefs.
Mr. Hodges was appointed to the advisory board because of his law enforcement experience and African-American heritage. Mr. Hodges has dedicated his life to public service and served as a bridge between law enforcement and the community. The Mayor’s removal of Mr. Hodges was not based on his credentials but on his beliefs on human creation and transgenderism – issues that are unrelated to his role on the advisory board.
“People of faith should never be discriminated against because of their convictions,” said Mariah Gondeiro, Vice President and legal counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “Pastor Hodges’s removal from this Commission sets a dangerous precedent for the prejudicial hiring and firing practices of government boards. It is unacceptable that individuals of faith are being explicitly forbidden from serving in government simply because of their faith. The Mayor of San Diego must be held accountable for his unconstitutional actions.”
“I have dedicated my life to service,” said Pastor Dennis Hodges. “I am standing up for religious people nationwide who have been discriminated against solely because of their faith. What happened to me at the hands of our government should never happen to anyone else.”
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Press Release | Advocates for Faith and Freedom Announce Lawsuit Challenging Religious Exemption Restriction for Vaccines
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
CONTACT: nicole velasco @
media@faith-freedom.COM
Murrieta, CA – On October 31, 2023, a lawsuit was filed by Advocates for Faith and Freedom to challenge California SB 277, which restricts religious exemptions for childhood vaccinations. Their lawsuit alleges this legislation violates the constitutional rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children. Advocates for Faith and Freedom is challenging the constitutionality of this legislation, seeking to restore the ability for parents and students to lodge a religious objection for those with sincerely held beliefs. It is likely this matter will ultimately be required to go before the U.S. Supreme Court.
California Senate Bill 277 (SB277) eliminated nonmedical exemptions from state-mandated immunizations for children entering public or private schools. The bill applies to children enrolled in private or public elementary or secondary schools, daycare centers, and public or private daycares and preschools. SB 277 was signed by Governor Jerry Brown in June 2015 and became effective on January 1, 2016. California was the first state in nearly 35 years to take this step.
“People of faith should never be discriminated against through legislation,” said Mariah Gondeiro, Vice President and legal counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “We are standing up for parents of all faith backgrounds who want access to a quality education and medical autonomy over their children.”
“Medical autonomy and quality education are not mutually exclusive, and the government should not mandate parents choose one over the other,” says Robert Tyler, President of Advocates for Faith and Freedom.
Legal Green Light: Court Gives Nod to Advance Case
We are very excited to share that we have received a favorable legal holding in our case for Jessica Tapia. Jessica was a public school teacher who was dismissed from her position at Jurupa Unified School District after her refusal to comply with gender ideology policies, citing her Christian beliefs. The school district filed a Motion to Dismiss, attempting to argue that the individual district employees were immune from liability under qualified immunity. The Court did not agree, stating it was premature to address at this stage.
The Court did agree with the District that it is entitled to sovereign immunity, meaning that we cannot seek injunctive and declaratory relief against it. However, we did expect this ruling. But the Court did not agree with the District that the individual defendants are entitled to sovereign immunity. So we can still seek injunctive and prospective relief against the individual defendants in their official capacities. In short, all of our constitutional claims will move forward!
Thank you to all who have supported our fight to protect truth and those who stand up for it. Please continue to keep our legal team and our clients in prayer and to spread the word! It is because of donations and prayers, from individuals like you, that we are able to safeguard our religious and constitutional freedoms.
