Supreme Court Victory for Free Speech and Faith

The United States Supreme Court has delivered a decisive victory for the First Amendment in Chiles v. Salazar, striking down Colorado’s attempt to censor speech between counselors and their clients.

In an overwhelming 8–1 ruling, the Court made clear that the government cannot regulate speech based on viewpoint, even in the counseling room. This decision affirms a foundational truth: the First Amendment protects the right to speak freely, especially when that speech reflects deeply held beliefs.

PRESS RELEASE | FEDERAL COURT REOPENS LANDMARK LAWSUIT: VICTORY FOR FEMALE ATHLETES AND FREE SPEECH AS MONETARY DAMAGES CLAIMS PROCEED AGAINST RIVERSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Advocates for Faith & Freedom today announced a major victory in the ongoing fight to protect girls’ sports and free speech rights. The United States District Court for the Central District of California has granted in part Plaintiffs’ Motion for Reconsideration, reopening the case and allowing key claims for monetary damages to move forward against the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD).

PRESS RELEASE | SEVEN AMICUS BRIEFS URGE SUPREME COURT TO TAKE CHURCH FINES CASE: STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA LEADS SUPPORT

As Advocates for Faith & Freedom and the American Center for Law & Justice ask the United States Supreme Court to reverse California’s $3 million of fines and attorneys’ fees against Calvary Chapel San Jose for their religious worship, seven amicus curiae briefs have now been filed in support of position.  The seven briefs urge the Court to take the case. 

PRESS RELEASE | CALIFORNIA FINES CHURCH $1.2 MILLION FOR WORSHIP; NOW THE SUPREME COURT MUST DECIDE IF THE CONSTITUTION STILL STANDS

Advocates for Faith & Freedom, in partnership with the American Center for Law & Justice, has filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari asking the United States Supreme Court to overturn more than $1.2 million in fines imposed on Calvary Chapel San Jose and Pastor Mike McClure for the simple act of gathering to worship.

PRESS RELEASE | SUPREME COURT FORCES RECONSIDERATION OF NEW YORK’S DISCRIMINATORY VACCINE LAW IN LANDMARK RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CASE

The Supreme Court has reversed the lower court’s decision that fined petitioners for living out their religious beliefs.  The case returns to the lower court to reevaluate New York’s law under strengthened protections for religious believers, making clear that the government may not punish religious conviction while granting exemptions for secular purposes.

PRESS RELEASE | CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WINS MAJOR VICTORY: STATE WITHDRAWS ALL OSHA CITATIONS AFTER ILLEGAL WARRANT RAID ON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

In a landmark victory for religious freedom and parental rights, Calvary Chapel of San Jose (CCSJ) and Calvary Christian Academy (CCA) have been cleared of every citation originally brought by the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (Cal/OSHA).

PRESS RELEASE | ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM AND ACLJ TAKE CALVARY CHAPEL SAN JOSE CASE TO U.S. SUPREME COURT; CHALLENGE $1.2 MILLION IN COVID FINES

Advocates for Faith & Freedom (AFF) has joined forces with the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) to defend Calvary Chapel San Jose and Pastor Mike McClure in a landmark religious liberty case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The church faces more than $1.2 million in fines after continuing to worship during California’s COVID-19 restrictions.

PRESS RELEASE | CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AIDE WINS SETTLEMENT AFTER BEING PUNISHED FOR TRUMP BACKPACK AND FAITH-BASED EXPRESSION

Advocates for Faith & Freedom announced today a decisive settlement victory on behalf of Alyssa Esquivel, a Christian American Sign Language aide who was unlawfully targeted, silenced, and terminated by the San Gabriel Unified School District after colleagues and administrators objected to her faith and political expression.

PRESS RELEASE | JOINT BRIEF ASKS SUPREME COURT TO HALT SCHOOL SECRECY ON CHILDREN’S GENDER TRANSITIONS

At issue is the Leon County School Board’s “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Nonconforming and Questioning Support Guide,” which directs school staff to use a child’s chosen name and pronouns without parental knowledge or consent—and, in some cases, to conceal such information from parents.