PJI Files Supreme Court Brief for Church Rights

Washington, D.C. - Pacific Justice Institute has filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court in the First Assembly of God of Ventura et al. v. City of San Buenaventura case at the request of the lead counsel for the church.

The brief argues that Measure I, a San Buenaventura city ordinance which prohibits a church from using any method of redesignating its land except the ballot initiative process, violates the free exercise clause of the United States Constitution. In the past, local government has been responsible for approval of zoning changes and had a burden to show, at the very least, a rational basis for its decisions. The brief also argues that Measure I is not a valid and neutral law, it is not generally applicable, and it places a burden on the free exercise of religion as well as other constitutional rights.

"The City’s ordinance effectively prevents any church from starting its ministry without the approval of the majority," said Brad Dacus, President of Pacific Justice Institute. "This type of ordinance makes it extremely difficult for churches to expand their ministries in those communities which are often perceived to need them the most. Religious freedom is a right to be protected by the Constitution, not by the whims of the potentially intolerant masses."

Pacific Justice Institute is an organization dedicated to the defense of religious freedom, parents’ rights and other basic constitutional civil liberties.