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Press Release | Charges Against a California Street Pastor Dropped by District Attorney
Press Release | Charges Against a California Street Pastor Dropped by District Attorney
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2024
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco
NVELASCO@FAITH-FREEDOM.COM
Murrieta, CA— In a victory for free speech and religious liberty, the San Bernardino County District Attorney has dismissed all charges against Arturo Fernandez, a California street preacher arrested while peacefully preaching outside a public events arena in Ontario, California. Pastor Fernandez was unlawfully charged with trespassing despite remaining on a public sidewalk, conducting himself lawfully, and exercising his First Amendment rights.
The arrest occurred after a security guard, acting on behalf of a private entity using the city-owned arena, objected to Pastor Fernandez’s preaching and instructed him to leave. When Pastor Fernandez respectfully asserted his constitutional right to free speech on public property, the Ontario Police Department arrested him, booked him into jail, and charged him with trespassing.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom immediately issued demand letters to the Ontario Police Department and to the District Attorney, urging the dismissal of the baseless charge. Following the dismissal of the charge, the arena issued a statement that they “regret the initial issuance of the Citation” against Pastor Fernandez.
“This dismissal is a victory for free speech and religious expression,” said Julianne Fleischer, an attorney with Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “Pastor Fernandez was peacefully exercising his God-given and constitutionally protected rights to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we have the utmost respect for the men and women in law enforcement, no government entity has the right to silence lawful public preaching.”
This case underscores hostility toward public expressions of faith in America. Advocates for Faith & Freedom remains committed to defending individuals like Pastor Fernandez, ensuring their voices are not silenced in the public square.
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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 | Church Under Attack for Lawful Ballot Collection
Press Release | Church Under Attack for Lawful Ballot Collection
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: mONDAY, nOVEMBER 25, 2024
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco
NVELASCO@FAITH-FREEDOM.COM
Red Bluff, CA – Earlier this month, Pastor Greg Phelps and his church, Calvary Chapel Red Bluff, became the target of misleading allegations and sensationalist media coverage following their participation in lawful ballot collection during the recent election. The church, like many others, offered its congregation a convenient way to exercise their voting rights in full compliance with California’s laws. Despite this, media outlets such as the SF Gate have unfairly sought to paint this civic-minded initiative as questionable or improper.
The facts tell a different story. After meeting with the Tehama County District Attorney and Registrar of Voters, it was unequivocally confirmed that no laws were broken, no case exists, and there is no pending investigation. Pastor Phelps and his church strictly adhered to the legal procedures established by the state, which explicitly allows organizations, including churches, to engage in ballot collection. These laws, originally championed by progressive lawmakers, were designed to improve voter participation and accessibility.
“Churches like ours exist to serve the community, and that includes empowering our congregation to participate in the democratic process,” said Pastor Greg Phelps. “We just want to serve our people and positively affect our community. We will not be silenced or deterred by those who seek to distort our intentions.”
The media’s attacks are emblematic of a broader trend to vilify faith-based organizations that engage in lawful, civic-minded activities. These baseless accusations are not just a disservice to the church but also an attack on the democratic principles that ballot collection laws were designed to protect.
It is imperative to highlight that ballot collection is entirely legal and serves as a critical service to those unable to deliver their ballots directly. By following the law and fostering participation, the church demonstrated its commitment to civic engagement and the betterment of its community.
“Faith-based organizations must not be pressured or intimidated into abandoning their constitutionally protected rights,” said Advocates attorney, Robert Tyler. “The law applies equally to all groups, whether secular or religious, and these unfounded attacks against churches simply exercising their legal rights must come to an end.”
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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.
Federal Judge Denies School District’s Motion to Dismiss Teacher’s First Amendment Retaliation Case
Press Release
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco at
media@faith-freedom.COM
Federal Judge Denies School District’s Motion to Dismiss Teacher’s First Amendment Retaliation Case
For Immediate Release, Los Angeles, CA – On Friday, in a significant win for free speech rights within the public education system, a federal judge has denied the Glendale Unified School District’s (GUSD) motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Ray Shelton, a fifth-grade teacher at Mark Keppel Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School. Mr. Shelton’s lawsuit, which challenges alleged retaliation by GUSD officials following his public criticism of district policies, will proceed in federal court.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of First Amendment protections for educators, particularly their right to speak freely on public matters without fear of reprisal. Mr. Shelton, a teacher with years of service to GUSD, filed suit after being placed on administrative leave and barred from campus following his comments at a school board meeting. At the meeting, he expressed concerns about new district policies, which he argued undermined parental rights and posed potential safety risks.
“This ruling sends a strong message that no educator should be defamed for expressing an opinion that challenges the woke narrative,” said Advocates attorney, Kelly Chang Rickert. “Our clients have a right to openly discuss policies that affect students, families, and communities. We look forward to demonstrating that educators, like all Americans, deserve the right to speak their beliefs without fear of retaliation.”
In her decision, U.S. District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall found that Mr. Shelton’s claims regarding free speech and retaliation were substantial enough to proceed to the next stages of litigation. Judge Marshall’s ruling rejects the district’s position that it acted within its rights, affirming instead that teachers’ First Amendment protections extend to matters of public concern discussed in public forums.
Represented by The Pivtorak Law Firm and Advocates for Faith and Freedom, Mr. Shelton’s lawsuit now advances with claims that include viewpoint discrimination and retaliation, citing the district’s alleged attempts to silence his dissenting voice through disciplinary action. In addition to seeking damages, Mr. Shelton requests that the court issue an injunction to prevent further retaliation and ensure district policies comply with constitutional standards.
The case, now set for discovery and pre-trial proceedings, is being closely watched by educators, civil rights advocates, and community leaders as it raises critical questions about the boundaries of free expression within the educational system.