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PRESS RELEASE | MISSOURI CHURCH SUED BY TRANSGENDER LIBRARIAN FILES MOTION TO DISMISS

PRESS RELEASE | MISSOURI CHURCH SUED BY TRANSGENDER LIBRARIAN FILES MOTION TO DISMISS

ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, August 16, 2024

CONTACT: nicole velasco @
media@faith-freedom.COM

Murrieta, CA— Yesterday, Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed a motion to dismiss a frivolous defamation lawsuit filed against client Rachel Homolak by Danny Roberson, a biological man.  Roberson publicly expressed his beliefs on gender ideology by wearing female clothing, make-up and facial hair while working in the children’s section of a public library. When Grace Church and Homolak publicly expressed their differing views on gender ideology and impacts on children, Roberson immediately filed a lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged Homolak and Grace Church defamed Roberson for posting their views on Facebook and podcasts, as well as during a Civic Engagement panel highlighting concerns about gender ideology and current culture wars. 

Neither Homolak or the Church made any defamatory comments about Mr. Roberson.

“Plaintiff’s freedom to publicly express his views on gender ideology triggers others’ freedom to do the same,” said Advocates legal counsel Kelly Chang Rickert. “Free speech isn’t unilateral – Defendants should not be punished for voicing their differing worldviews.”

“The freedom to worship, assemble, and speak are fundamental rights guaranteed to every American,” said Bethany Onishenko, an attorney with Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “The facts of this case fail to support the plaintiff’s claims. Neither Ms. Homolak nor Grace Church made any defamatory statements about the plaintiff. Any opinions or concerns expressed are fully protected by the First Amendment.

Parents have every right to know who is interacting with their children,” said Rachel Homolak. “This suit against me has no merit and I am confident that the court will rule in our favor and dismiss it. I will continue to use my voice to stand up for parents and protect children.”

Press Release | California Court Rules Against Election Integrity

Press Release | California Court Rules Against Election Integrity

ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 15, 2024

CONTACT: Jake Matthews
jake@jlkpolitical.COM

Murrieta, CA— Today, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Election Integrity Project California (EIPCa)’s efforts to ensure every lawfully cast vote is accurately counted. In their lawsuit, EIPCa accused California Governor Gavin Newsom and California Secretary of State Shirly Weber of enforcing unconstitutional election laws and regulations.  

The lawsuit filed by EIPCa alleges that the Governor and Secretary of State violated constitutional election procedures by sending out mail-in ballots to every active voter in the registry and waving signature verification requirements on those ballots. There were no requirements for uniformity, and thus, ballots were handled differently in different counties.

“Unfortunately, the panel affirmed the lower court’s ruling, determining that California’s election rules and practices satisfied requirements for equal treatment,” said Robert Tyler, President and legal counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “Our elections are a key aspect of democracy in this country and need to be kept secure from interference. This decision fails to protect voting rights for citizens and the integrity of our election process in California.”

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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.

Press Release | California Special Education Aide Sues School District Following Administrative Leave Placement Due to Trump Backpack

Press Release | California Special Education Aide Sues School District Following Administrative Leave Placement Due to Trump Backpack

ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 29, 2024

CONTACT: Jake Matthews
jake@jlkpolitical.COM

Murrieta, CA – Friday, July 26, 2024, Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed a lawsuit on behalf of Alyssa Esquivel, an American Sign Language Special Education Instructional Aide for the San Gabriel Unified School District in Southern California. The lawsuit challenges the School District’s directive banning Ms. Esquivel from bringing her Trump-themed backpack and water bottle to campus, as well as the decision to place her on involuntary leave and suspend her without pay for bringing those items to school.

Because Ms. Esquivel’s political beliefs were viewed unfavorably by the School District, the School District sought to censor her political expression. She has the right to engage in political expression, and the School District’s conduct violates her First Amendment rights. The School District unfairly retaliated against Ms. Esquivel.

“Educational settings are meant to be beacons of free speech and expression. They should not be weaponized to stifle and censor ideas and opinions that may be unpopular or disliked,” said Advocates legal counsel Julianne Fleischer. “The San Gabriel Unified School District unjustly targeted Ms. Esquivel for her political expression. The First Amendment prohibits this, and we firmly stand with Ms. Esquivel to defend her rights.

I am disappointed by the actions of the District, but I look forward to justice,” said Alyssa Esquivel. “I am excited to work with Advocates to ensure that no one else experiences this retaliatory treatment for their political beliefs. I hope to be reinstated to my position so that I can continue serving the deaf students within my school district.”

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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

 Alyssa Esquivel

Alyssa Esquivel