Freedom Updates
Advocates in Action
Parent Power Play: Taking on Government’s Interference in the Family
A few months ago, we alerted you to some shocking California bills. Now, it is crucial you know about the latest developments (click below to read). But that’s not all—this March, advocates took legal action against California Senate Bill 107, also known as the Transgender Sanctuary Bill. This bill enables children from other states to undergo irreversible medical procedures, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones in California, all while denying parents access to their child’s medical information regarding ‘gender-affirming health care’ or ‘gender-affirming mental health care.’ It even grants California courts emergency jurisdiction over such cases. Stay informed!
Faith, Church, and Culture: Navigating Legal Challenges
This past week we were honored to join TPUSA Faith for a second annual Pastors Summit. Advocates attorney, Bob Tyler, discussed faith-related legal and cultural challenges, inspiring pastors to boldly champion truth.
We face a barrage of challenges to our most basic religious freedoms, and the need to prevail in the court system has never been greater. Watch the full panel discussion below.
Press Release | California Church Sues California Government For Spying on Members During COVID-19
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, august 23, 2023
CONTACT: nicole velasco @
media@faith-freedom.COM
Murrieta, CA – On August 22, 2023, a lawsuit was filed by Advocates for Faith and Freedom on behalf of Calvary Chapel San Jose against Santa Clara County, California, for utilizing geofencing methods to spy on church members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, Santa Clara County imposed a $1.2 million fine against the church for not abiding by the State’s and County’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Santa Clara County utilized an investigative method known as geofencing. Geofencing is a technological tool the government uses to track people relative to their location and likely locations. This tool is typically used in police investigations of criminal activity and, in these instances, requires a warrant– which is not always granted.
“People of faith should never have to worry about the government spying on them in places of worship,” said Mariah Gondeiro, Vice President and legal counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “We are standing up for people of all faiths across the country who have been and continue to be, targeted by the government. This invasion of privacy and targeting violates the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and represents a terrifying precedent if allowed to go unaddressed. It is time to hold Santa Clara County accountable for violating the rights of Calvary Chapel members.”
“Our church believes in the rights and privacy of all our members,” said Pastor Mike McClure of Calvary Chapel San Jose. “We are not just standing up for the rights of our church family; we are standing up for the rights of religious people across this country.”