Current Legal Battles

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Ninth Circuit: No Gay Weddings Until at Least December

City: 
San Francisco, CA
Date: 
08/16/2010

Today, a three judge panel of the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco decided to put on hold the blockbuster ruling by Judge Vaughn Walker striking down Prop. 8. This means that no gay marriages can take place in California until at least early December, when the Ninth Circuit will hear arguments as to whether the proponents of Prop. 8 have the legal authority to appeal Judge Walker’s decision. However, the opponents of Prop 8. could choose to appeal today’s decision to U.S.

Appeals Court Slams Mall That Arrested Youth Pastor

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
08/13/2010

The California Court of Appeal has issued a ruling sharply criticizing a shopping mall that arrested a youth pastor for sharing his faith. The unanimous decision in favor of the youth pastor was written by Justice Cantil-Sakauye, who was recently nominated to be the next Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court. The youth pastor was represented by attorneys with Pacific Justice Institute.

California Judge: Start Gay Marriages Next Week

City: 
San Francisco, CA
Date: 
08/12/2010

The federal judge who last week declared Prop. 8 unconstitutional further decided today not to stay that ruling pending appeal. The order says California must begin allowing same-sex marriages after 5 p.m. on August 18. The new ruling will allow defenders of Prop. 8 to seek a stay from a higher court.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Prop. 8

City: 
San Francisco, CA
Date: 
08/04/2010

A federal judge in San Francisco ruled this afternoon that California’s voter-adopted affirmation of traditional marriage, Proposition 8, is unconstitutional.

Although the decision is the first of its kind in the nation (some state courts have mandated gay marriage in light of state laws), it came as little surprise to supporters of Prop. 8, who viewed Chief Judge Walker’s conduct throughout the trial as favorable to gay marriage. During the trial, it was disclosed that Judge Walker himself is gay.

Health Care Ruling Boosts California Suit

City: 
San Diego, CA
Date: 
08/04/2010

A federal judge in Virginia has given the green light to a lawsuit by state attorneys general against the massive federal health care legislation. The ruling is expected to boost a similar lawsuit filed in San Diego, CA. Pacific Justice Institute is a plaintiff in the San Diego case.

In its ruling the Virginia federal court determined that the state lawsuit against the federal takeover of health care raised important constitutional questions that should be fully litigated. In so doing, the court denied the federal government’s motion to dismiss the case.

State Censorship of Religious High Schools Heads to Supreme Court

City: 
Washington, D.C.
Date: 
07/27/2010

The Pacific Justice Institute is asking the US Supreme Court to review a case involving government censorship of faith-based high school curricula and discrimination against religious students.

Professor Fired For Gay Comments Settles Lawsuit

City: 
San Jose, CA
Date: 
07/22/2010

A former professor at San Jose City College has received a favorable settlement of a federal lawsuit against the school. The former professor, June Sheldon, was represented by attorneys for Pacific Justice Institute as co-counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom.

Law Library Promotes Artist Who Calls Religious People “Stupid”

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
07/14/2010

The Pacific Justice Institute is calling for the removal of a painting from the Sacramento Public Law Library that defaces a Bible and is accompanied by a statement saying that religious faith makes people stupid.

U.S. Supreme Court Says No to Christian Student Club at Prominent Law School

City: 
Washington, D.C
Date: 
07/08/2010

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a law school chapter of the Christian Legal Society located at the University of California’s Hastings School of Law. The law school denied official recognition to the student chapter of the Christian Legal Society. While CLS welcomes anyone to attend meetings and events, it requires that the officers and voting members who provide direction for the Society agree with and abide by the group’s Statement of Faith. UC Hastings considers CLS’ faith requirement to be in conflict with the school’s non-discrimination policies.

Despite Threats, Another So. Cal. City Supports National Motto

City: 
Irwindale, CA
Date: 
07/02/2010

Despite recent threats from an atheist group, another city in Southern California has joined the growing list of local governments to express support for the national motto, “In God We Trust”.