Press Release | Advocates For Faith & Freedom Files a Motion to Reconsider on Behalf of Pastor Dennis Hodges

ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

CONTACT: Jake Matthews
jake@jlkpolitical.COM

Murrieta, CA – This week, Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed a Motion to Reconsider a case after a judge dismissed our client, Pastor Dennis Hodges’, lawsuit against the San Diego Mayor. The San Diego Mayor effectively removed Pastor Hodges from his volunteer position on the Citizens Advisory Board on Police/Community Relations for the City of San Diego after Pastor Hodges chose to abstain from voting on an agenda item that conflicted with his sincerely held religious beliefs regarding transgenderism. 

The Court erroneously dismissed Pastor Hodges’ lawsuit leading Pastor Hodges to file a Motion to Reconsider. The Court classified Pastor Hodges’ personal religious beliefs as political rhetoric not protected by the First Amendment. By classifying his religious beliefs as political rhetoric and upholding Pastor Hodges’ removal from the Advisory Board, the Court created an unconstitutional litmus test based on religion for those who wish to hold office. Additionally, the Court never evaluated if Pastor Hodges sufficiently pleaded his case for his free exercise of religion and free speech claims. A reconsideration of Pastor Hodges’ case is necessary to undo the unconstitutional litmus test and bring justice for Pastor Hodges. 

“We are deeply saddened by the Court’s decision to toss out Pastor Hodges’ lawsuit,” said Julianne Fleischer, legal counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “People of faith should never be discriminated against because of their convictions. The Court’s decision to dismiss Pastor Hodges’ case sets a dangerous precedent that allows government officials to participate in the prejudicial hiring and firing practices of government boards whenever individuals do not align with a particular religious ideology. The Court’s Order effectively created an unconstitutional religious test for public servants to hold public office. It is unacceptable that individuals of faith are being explicitly forbidden from serving in government simply because of their faith.” 

“I have dedicated my life to service,” said Pastor Dennis Hodges. “Though this case is ongoing, I will continue to stand up for religious people nationwide who have been discriminated against solely because of their faith. I am optimistic that our motion will succeed.” 

###

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