A former member of the governing body of the St. Joseph, Missouri Public Library claims in a lawsuit that the decision not to re-appoint him last year is a violation of his rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

A former member of the governing body of the St. Joseph, Missouri Public Library claims in a lawsuit that the decision not to re-appoint him last year is a violation of his rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Plaintiff Brian Kirk filed a five-count civil complaint on January 25, 2024, naming the St. Joseph municipal government, including the mayor and each member of the city council, as well as two individuals, Steven Greiert and Advocate’s client Pastor Josh Blevins as defendants.

Krik specifically seeks to hold Pastor Josh Blevins liable for writing a letter to the St. Joseph City Council urging against Kirk’s reappointment, posting on his personal Facebook page, and preaching a sermon at his church - all urging against an LGBTQ Pastor’s reappointment to a local library board. Pastor Blevin’s allegedly “unlawful” activities are quintessential private actions protected by the First Amendment. Nevertheless, Kirk’s lawsuit seeks to transform every private person who writes to a government official, casts a vote, or expresses an opinion on a political or religious issue into a state actor susceptible to constitutional liability.

Press Release | Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Missouri Pastor Who Opposed LGBTQ Pastor’s Library Board Appointment

ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 22, 2024

CONTACT: JAKE MATTHEWS @
JAKE@JLKPOLITICAL.COM

Murrieta, CA— Yesterday, a federal court dismissed a suit against Grace Calvary Chapel pastor Josh Blevins. The plaintiff specifically sought to hold Pastor Josh Blevins liable for writing a letter to the St. Joseph City Council posting on his personal Facebook page and preaching a sermon at his church – all urging against an LGBTQ Pastor’s reappointment to a local library board. Pastor Blevin’s allegedly “unlawful” activities are quintessential private actions protected by the First Amendment.

The court found that the complaint against Pastor Blevins violated his First Amendment right to petition government officials and exercise free speech. The plaintiff in the case neglected to provide an argument that Blevins, in fact, could be held liable.

“Freedom of speech, religion, and petition are guaranteed rights enshrined to all Americans,” said Kelly Chang Rickert, an attorney with Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “This ruling is a win for the First Amendment and individuals across this country who want to stand up for their beliefs without fear of persecution.”

“This ruling enshrines the rights of every person who writes a government official, casts a vote, or expresses an opinion on political or religious issues,” said Bethany Onishenko, an attorney with Advocates for Faith and Freedom.

“This dismissal is an important first step in protecting the rights of all Americans,” said Pastor Josh Blevins. “I am thankful the judge ruled in our favor, and I am optimistic that our case will serve as the standard bearer for religious freedom cases across the country.”

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Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts. Our mission is to engage in cases that will uphold our religious liberty and America’s heritage and to educate Americans about our fundamental constitutional rights.

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About Advocates for Faith & Freedom (www.faith-freedom.com): Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts.

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