Current Legal Battles

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Church Raises Alarm Over City’s Push for More Control of Private Property

City: 
Washington, D.C.
Date: 
08/25/2011

A California case being appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court raises nationwide concerns that cities are trying to seize unprecedented authority over private property, according to attorneys involved in the case.

Supreme Court Asked to Give Cities More Power to Restrict Churches

City: 
Washington, D.C.
Date: 
07/25/2011

A recent Ninth Circuit decision rebuking a Bay Area city for using zoning laws to stifle church growth has been appealed by the city to the U.S. Supreme Court. If the High Court decides to hear the case, it is expected to have wide-ranging implications for houses of worship across the nation.

Atheists Drop Federal Suit Against Ministers

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
06/17/2011

A group of atheists and anti-religionists agreed today to voluntarily dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of centuries-old tax exemptions for parsonages and other ministerial housing.

The voluntary dismissal was filed today with the U.S. District Court in Sacramento. The plaintiffs, led by the Freedom From Religion Foundation and represented by atheist Michael Newdow, had not alleged that they had ever asked federal and state tax officials for the same treatment prior to filing suit and claiming favoritism toward religion.

Keep the Ten Commandments, Lose Your Job: Macy’s Sued for Religious Discrimination

City: 
Thousand Oaks
Date: 
06/02/2011

A Ventura County woman has filed suit against retail giant Macy’s, alleging that she was fired on account of her religious commitment to observing Sunday as the Sabbath, and refraining from work on that day.

Church Wins Discrimination Case at Ninth Circuit

City: 
San Francisco, CA
Date: 
02/15/2011

The federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today ruled that the city of San Leandro illegally discriminated against a church by not allowing it to use its own property for worship services. The church, Faith Fellowship Foursquare Church, is represented by staff attorneys with Pacific Justice Institute.

Mall’s “Don’t Talk to Strangers” Rule to be Argued Monday in Court of Appeals

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
06/28/2010

The California Court of Appeals will hear arguments Monday in a case testing the validity of a shopping mall’s attempt to prevent adult patrons from talking to each other about hot-button topics such as religion and politics.

City Drops Bid to Shut Down Home Bible Study, But Threat to Others Remains

City: 
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Date: 
03/30/2010

– A city northeast of Los Angeles that sparked national outrage for its attempts to shut down a home Bible study has conceded defeat while hinting that it might try to shutter similar groups.

So. Calif. City to Home Bible Study: Shut Down by Good Friday

City: 
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Date: 
03/16/2010

A city in Southern California is demanding that a small home Bible study group stop meeting because it does not have an expensive permit. The permit is not required for similar-sized gatherings in homes, such as book clubs, birthday parties or gatherings centered around sporting events. City officials have also indicated that they might not even grant a permit if it is requested. The city’s stance has similarities to, but is perhaps even harsher than, a pending situation in Gilbert, Arizona, and a flare-up last year over a home Bible study in San Diego County.

Religious Freedom Organization Expands to San Diego

City: 
San Diego, CA –
Date: 
11/25/2009

The Pacific Justice Institute, a nationally-recognized legal organization that defends religious liberties, is announcing the launch of a San Diego Law Clinic.

Court Suggests Church Split; Case Heads to Ninth Circuit

City: 
San Francisco, Ca
Date: 
07/21/2009

A church in the Bay Area is appealing to the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals after a federal trial court rejected its claims that the City of San Leandro unlawfully denied a rezoning request. In the decision being appealed, U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton suggested the growing congregation split up its “operations” and activities among multiple locations, rather than renovating a larger property it had purchased.