A biological man, who identifies as a transgender woman and works in the children's section of a library, filed a defamation lawsuit in Missouri state court against Grace Church.

In May of 2024, Danny Roberson, a biological man who identifies as a transgender woman and works in the children’s section of a library, filed a lawsuit in Missouri state court alleging defamation against Rachel Homolak and Grace Church.

The Complaint specifically alleges that Grace Church hosted a Civic Engagement panel encouraging church members to engage with their community. During this panel, one panel member mentioned that a transgender individual was working at the children’s section of the library and that these are the types of issues parents need to know and speak up about. The Complaint further claims that Homolak's appearances on podcasts and constitutionally-protected Facebook posts defamed him.

Plaintiff specifically seeks to hold the Church liable for holding the Civic Engagement panel and publishing the audio and video of the panel on various media platforms.

Neither the Church or Homolak made any defamatory comments about Mr. Roberson.

Press Release | Missouri Church Sued by Transgender Librarian Files Motion to Dismiss

ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, August 16, 2024

CONTACT: nicole velasco @
media@faith-freedom.COM

Murrieta, CA— Yesterday, Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed a motion to dismiss a frivolous defamation lawsuit filed against client Rachel Homolak by Danny Roberson, a biological man.  Roberson publicly expressed his beliefs on gender ideology by wearing female clothing, make-up and facial hair while working in the children’s section of a public library. When Grace Church and Homolak publicly expressed their differing views on gender ideology and impacts on children, Roberson immediately filed a lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged Homolak and Grace Church defamed Roberson for posting their views on Facebook and podcasts, as well as during a Civic Engagement panel highlighting concerns about gender ideology and current culture wars. 

Neither Homolak or the Church made any defamatory comments about Mr. Roberson.

“Plaintiff’s freedom to publicly express his views on gender ideology triggers others’ freedom to do the same,” said Advocates legal counsel Kelly Chang Rickert. “Free speech isn’t unilateral - Defendants should not be punished for voicing their differing worldviews.”

“The freedom to worship, assemble, and speak are fundamental rights guaranteed to every American,” said Bethany Onishenko, an attorney with Advocates for Faith and Freedom. “The facts of this case fail to support the plaintiff’s claims. Neither Ms. Homolak nor Grace Church made any defamatory statements about the plaintiff. Any opinions or concerns expressed are fully protected by the First Amendment.

“Parents have every right to know who is interacting with their children,” said Rachel Homolak. “This suit against me has no merit and I am confident that the court will rule in our favor and dismiss it. I will continue to use my voice to stand up for parents and protect children.”

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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.

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About Advocates for Faith & Freedom (www.faith-freedom.com): Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts.

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