| Dear [First name], “We don’t do prayer!” That’s how City of Ventura Mayor Dr. Jeanette Sanchez-Palacios stopped a mom from praying for the elected council members, her city and the students and faculty at their schools. Tarin Swain was the only one who was stopped during the city council meeting’s public comment because of what she said. And there were more than 100 people that spoke. One resident was even allowed to interpret the squawks of his bird puppet during his allotted time.  It’s hard to understand the utter ridiculousness of the Ventura City Council’s actions, but one thing is certain...this attack on faith will not go unanswered. In fact, the expert legal team here at First Liberty has already let let Ventura’s city council know that they are on the wrong side of the Constitution and the First Amendment. My name is Kelly Shackelford. I am the President, CEO and Chief Counsel of First Liberty Institute — the nation’s largest law firm exclusively dedicated to defending religious freedom. I’d like to tell you that attacks like the one on Tarin Swain’s faith are rare, but the truth is, they’re becoming increasingly common. So much so that I don’t think First Liberty’s legal team has ever been busier. Say No to Religious Discrimination
Be First in the Fight for Faith Sometimes, we can resolve these issues quickly through a simple phone call or a letter. Just a few days ago, a school in Michigan told two students that the songs they chose for the upcoming talent show were “too Christian-based,” because “not everyone believes in God.” After receiving a letter from First Letter, school leaders decided to reverse course. Now, both students will be allowed to participate in the talent show and sing the songs they originally chose. But more often than not, overzealous city leaders, school administrators and politicians decide to dig in and fight. Unfortunately, this seems to be the path that the City of Ventura is choosing to take. And that’s why I am writing to you today. I want to ask you to do three things to help: - Pray for Tarin and our attorneys as we prepare for what could be a long legal battle.
- Like Tarin, pray for Ventura, CA, the city’s elected council members, and the students and faculty at their schools.
- Join the fight for faith by signing our petition telling the Ventura mayor and the rest of the city council to follow the Constitution and allow Tarin to pray.
Help Stop Faith-Based Attacks
Join First Liberty in the Fight for What Matters Most When you join us in the fight for faith, you are joining the winning team. First Liberty has a 90%-win rate across all legal actions. And that’s not all, we’re undefeated at the Supreme Court, boasting a 9-0 record. What’s more, we don’t charge our clients for our legal services. No matter how long their cases take, or how much they cost. But to win fights like Tarin’s, we need the support of people like you. Will you help us answer this attack on Tarin’s faith? It’s time to tell Mayor Sanchez-Palacios and the rest of the city council to allow Ventura residents to pray at city council meetings. Yes, I'll sign the petition today! Grateful for you,
Kelly
Kelly Shackelford
President, CEO & Chief Counsel
First Liberty Institute
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