Your Prayers Were Heard...All the Way to the U.S. Supreme Court!

There’s so much good to report!

At Tuesday’s U.S. Supreme Court hearing about free speech, life, and religious liberty, the question was whether a law passed in California could force pro-life clinics and crisis pregnancy centers to advertise for the state’s free abortion program… in up to 13 languages, no less!

Although a lawsuit to stop the statute was struck down by the Ninth Circuit, you may recall back in October 2017, Tyler & Bursch’s pro bono attorneys, with funding from Advocates for Faith & Freedom, prevailed against this law on Free Speech grounds in Riverside County Superior Court in Scharpen Foundation v. Kamala Harris.

Still, California’s Attorney General persisted on defending this discriminatory law all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court where non-profit legal defense law firms from across the country took the lead.  Advocates for Faith & Freedom’s research and amicus brief played a significant role in its opposition and was mentioned by three Justices at Tuesday’s hearing.

According to the Daily Signal, Justice Anthony Kennedy asked whether an unlicensed center ran a billboard that read “Choose Life,” would it have to include the disclosure in the same font and in multiple languages? Wouldn’t that be an undue burden?”

A Courthouse News Service article quoted both Justice Alito and Justice Gorsuch.  “If you have a law that’s neutral on its face, but… when you apply all the exemptions, what you’re left with is a very strange pattern, and, gee, it turns out that just about the only clinics that are covered by this [law] are pro-life clinics,” Alito said. “Do you think it’s possible to infer intentional discrimination in that situation?”

While Justice Neil Gorsuch commented that the California law required pregnancy centers to “do the state’s job” at a significant cost to what Advocates for Faith & Freedom’sresearch set out to prove, are mostly nonprofit, pro-life facilities. “Well, but if you’re trying to educate a class of persons about their rights, it’s pretty unusual to force a private speaker to do that for you under the First Amendment,” Gorsuch said.

Commenting right after leaving the Supreme Court hearing with our client, Scott Scharpen, Tyler & Bursch attorney, Robert Tyler was optimistic, saying, “Based on the arguments, it certainly appears that victory is awaiting!”

Unlike Planned Parenthood, non-profit crisis pregnancy centers exist to support women who face difficult or unplanned pregnancies and receive no money or support from the government.  It was apparent the Justices recognized the state’s majority pro-abortion lawmakers targeted these groups.

It was only through your prayers and financial support that Advocates was able to contribute the research and provide the pro bono legal services that we feel certain made a big difference in this case!

Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me. ~ Psalm 66:20 (NLT)

Will You Buy a Box of Girl Scout Cookies?

 In our neighborhoods, young Girl Scouts and their mothers are setting up cookie sales tables outside local grocery and retail stores.  Teenage members of a church girls’ youth group offer these traditional family-favorites for sale from a colorful Girl Scout cookie booth in the church courtyard after Sunday service.

But, several years ago, an uncomfortable rumor began circulating over social media that a portion of Girl Scout cookie sale proceeds was donated to Planned Parenthood. Girl Scouts of America denies this rumor and says that no proceeds from cookie sales have ever been donated to Planned Parenthood.

Their official statement is, “Girl Scouts does not take a position on abortion or birth control. We believe these are matters that are best discussed within the family.” We’re good with that statement.

It was also rumored that Girl Scouts of America promotes and supports organizations with less than Christian social values, so raising money for them goes against our principles. Although local Girl Scout troops will tell you that one hundred percent of the net revenue raised through their cookie sales stays with them. The individual troops set goals on how to spend their proceeds.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." ~ Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

          The girls may choose entertainment or educational activities or outings such as paying their own way to a community event or museum. They might choose to use proceeds to participate in community service projects. Either way, it is a lesson in planning, work ethic, and financial responsibility.  And those are Christian values, so we’re good with that.

           We did find that the Girl Scouts of America does have a legislative agenda.  According to their website, one of their goals is increasing girls’ involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We’re good with that, too.

In a world where social media has turned just about everything into a negative, political argument - and where young people are retreating to their bedrooms, TV, and computers -  perhaps, as Christians, we could take a step back, allow these girls their childhood, and offer prayers and support for these cheerful, hard-working little entrepreneurs.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." ~ Mathew 6:34 (NIV)

The hardest part for us will be choosing between Thin Mints, Do-si-dos, Peanut Butter Patties, and Samoas!  What are your thoughts?

 As Advocates for Faith & Freedom continues the fight for the future of religious liberty in our courts in cases involving life, Christians' rights of conscience, parental rights, free speech, and more, we are very appreciative of your faithful prayers and your donations of support.  And, if you or anyone you know believes their constitutional rights have been denied, please contact us. We are here for you!      

As Long As They Continue Their Attack, Advocates Will Continue To Fight!

Nationally, pro-life and religious liberty protections are strengthening.  Yet, with bills like AB569 that ban Christian employers from requiring their employees to be pro-life in practice (as well as adhere to other biblical values), and laws like AB775 that required pro-life birth clinics to advertise for abortion services, California is ground zero for promoting anti-Christian policies through legislation.

Struggling against their own antithetical rhetoric, they voted to remove the requirement to provide one’s biological gender on birth certificates and drivers licenses while, at the same time, declaring anyone who does not believe in their version of global warming a “science denier.”

California’s liberal legislators have become not only an arm, but a hand and a mouth for left-wing special interest groups. That’s why Advocates for Faith & Freedom is working hard to counter their anti-constitutional, anti-Christian alliances and policies. Below are three important cases we have been fighting on behalf of religious liberty.

Free speech Advocates attorneys are working side-by-side with other legal organizations by sharing our research from our success on the Scharpen case, submitting an Amicus brief, and more, for the NIFLA v. Becerra case, which will be argued before the High Court on March 20, 2018.

Religious land use On March 22, 2018, Advocates for Faith & Freedom will submit the opening brief on appeal in the Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship religious land use (RLUIPA) case.

Religious expression Asked to represent Chino Valley Unified School District in their appeal involving opening school board meetings with an invocation prayer, Advocates for Faith & Freedom gave oral arguments in November 2017 and we’re awaiting the judge’s decision.

As you can see, these cases can sometimes take years to defend and the court fees are costly. Partnering with us in prayer, along with your financial support is important to our success in every case!

“The righteous shall flourish… in courts of our God.” Psalm 92:12-13 NIV

              The good news is that we know God is in charge, so as long as anti-Christian organizations and lawmakers in California continue their attack on religious liberties, Advocates for Faith & Freedom will continue to defend the constitutional rights of Christians.

Planned Parenthood May Finally Face Criminal Charges

Planned Parenthood has long been a foe of pro-life supporters. While it claims to approach each situation without bias and have women’s best interest at heart, the real purpose of this taxpayer-funded, nonprofit organization is to make abortion easy and common. It tells young girls their decision to abort their baby is “sensible” and “acceptable.” In summer 2015, however, shocking videos incriminating Planned Parenthood staff with selling fetal tissue from abortions went viral—increasingly shattering their already fragile credibility.

The scandal started a string of investigations, but under Obama’s helm, little effort was made to determine whether or not the nonprofit, which donates heavily to Democrats, should face criminal charges.

In fact, more effort was made to investigate the Center for Medical Progress, the pro-life organization that exposed the disturbing undercover videos, rather than the actual purveyors of human baby parts. But with a new, Republican administration making changes in Washington, the tide could be turning for Planned Parenthood.

Last December, Senator Chuck Grassley(R) sent a report to Obama's Attorney General Loretta Lynch and then FBI Director James Comey. In the report, Grassley declares that the committee found “substantial evidence” pointing to the fact that Planned Parenthood violated the law that bans the buying or selling of human fetal tissue and he calls for their investigation and possible prosecution.

And this month, after an Orange County, California seller of these aborted baby body parts, DaVinci Biosciences/DV Biologics, settled for millions and closed its doors, we have good reason to believe Planned Parenthood is closer to being named in a lawsuit of its own.

Within the last few weeks, there have been reports of a possible FBI investigation into Planned Parenthood’s actions and practices. When asked if findings by a Senate investigation could lead to the Justice Department bringing charges, Attorney General Jeff Sessions explained that, depending on the substance of the evidence, it “could provide a basis for charges.”

Whether this investigation proves fruitful, we are grateful the current administration is continuing its thorough examination and uncovering of the unethical and possibly illegal practices of Planned Parenthood.

And yet, there are still so many battles to be fought and won in the courts, for our religious liberty.  We are grateful for your prayers of support! And when you think about your year-end charitable giving, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to our important ministry.  Without you, we would not be able to continue to work on pro bono cases that uphold our Christian beliefs, confident in the truth of God’s gospel and the supremacy of His ways.

Seller of Aborted Baby Body Parts Settles for Millions in SoCal

David Daleidin’s 2015 undercover videos showing high-level representatives of Planned Parenthood haggling over the purchase of aborted baby body parts shocked our nation.  Even supporters of Planned Parenthood couldn't help but be appalled.      Due to public outcry, a lengthy congressional investigation was launched in which it was discovered that a company in Yorba Linda, California, DaVinci Biosciences and its sister company, DV Biologics, were purchasing baby body parts from Planned Parenthood. It is a violation of both state and federal law to profit from the sale and distribution of fetal tissue.

It was also discovered that this aborted baby parts supplier was located right next door to a place of worship! This prompted a year-long prayer vigil by Catholics and Evangelicals at the Church of Grace, as pastors and individuals united in prayer over DV Biologics and the surrounding community.

In October 2016, Orange County District Attorney, Tony Rackaukus, filed suit against DaVinci Biosciences and DV Biologics. The company founders and principals, Estefano Isaias Sr., Estefano Isaias Jr., and Andres Isaias, were also named in the suit.

To add to the depravity surrounding this case, further investigation revealed that the Isaias' were given the approval to immigrate to the United States after they donated to the Clinton Foundation while Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State.

The case was set for trial in February 2018, but given the predicted outcome, was just settled this month.

Da Vinci Biosciences and DV Biologics have agreed to forfeit their profits of over $7 million dollars and are required to cease doing business within 60-120 days. The settlement also requires them to pay $195,000 to the County of Orange and to donate any remaining fetal tissue as well as their research and medical instruments to a medical school. The medical school has not yet been named.

This case is a striking reminder of the awesome power of prayer! And, as we continue our ministry of protecting life and religious liberties in the courts, Advocates for Faith & Freedom is so very grateful for yours!

Thank You For Your Prayers of Support!

We were blessed to be covered in prayer by so many of you at home, as well as those in the courtroom as our attorneys, Robert Tyler and James Long argued in the Ninth Circuit for the Chino Valley Unified School District against an injunction on invocations at their school board meetings. Joining us at the U.S. Court of Appeals in Pasadena were Church United's Jim Domen and Barbara Lesure, PIHOP's Brenda Higgins and Luis Verano, the McClintock's, Calvary Chapel Chino Hill's Gina Gleason and others!

The 3-judge panel's decision can be expected in 3-6 months. Please pray that they will recognize our country's time-honored tradition of prayer before legislative meetings and rule in our favor.

    In addition to your prayers, your tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated so we can continue our pro bono work, fighting for religious and constitutional liberty!

Unconstitutional: Court Orders State Attorney General Not to Enforce California’s Reproductive FACT Act

Yesterday, in Riverside County Superior Court, Judge Gloria Trask granted an injunction against the California State Attorney General and he is now prevented from enforcing the Reproductive FACT Act. Click to see our Press Release. In the clearly ideological vote that completely ignored freedom and liberty, the Democrat-controlled California state legislature’s passing of AB 757, known as the Reproductive FACT Act, infringed on its own citizens’ free speech by compelling speech.

          Our lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Scharpen Foundation challenging the California law that requires pro-life pregnancy centers to provide their patients with contact information for local abortion clinics.  In its decision, the Court found that “the Reproductive FACT Act violates Article I, Section 2 of the California Constitution.”

     Judge Gloria Trask explained, “Here, the State commands clinics to post specific directions for whom to contact to obtain an abortion. It forces the clinic to point the way to the abortion clinic and can leave patients with the belief they were referred to an abortion provider by that clinic…. In Scharpen’s case that would be inaccurate, profoundly inaccurate.” “Compelled speech must be subject to reasonable limitation,” continued Judge Trask. “The statute compels the clinic to speak words with which it profoundly disagrees when the state has numerous alternative methods of publishing its message…. In this case, however virtuous the State’s ends, they do not justify its means.”   “We are thrilled with Judge Trask’s ruling, which is a huge victory for free speech,” said Scott Scharpen, founder and president of The Scharpen Foundation, which operates the Go Mobile For Life pregnancy clinic. He added, “The whole notion of being compelled to share information with our patients about abortion availability, which is contrary to our mission and purpose, is fundamentally wrong. Lives will be saved because of this ruling.”

With funding raised by Advocates for Faith & Freedom, Tyler & Bursch’s lawyers strategically filed the lawsuit in state court because the California State Constitution provides greater free speech protection than the First Amendment.

Tyler & Bursch, LLP attorney Robert Tyler lauded, “It is a great day in California because we know that freedom of speech is still a protected constitutional right. Judge Trask is absolutely correct that the State can’t force a pro-life clinic to advertise abortions on behalf of the State and its abortion mills.” He continued, “If the State Attorney General appeals, we will continue to defend our client’s pro-life speech all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Many of us are not aware that the Preamble of the California Constitution states, "We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution." 

In an irony that only God could have conceived, Nada Higuera, the attorney who argued the case, discovered she was pregnant with her first child when she initially pleaded this pro-life case. She gave birth to her baby girl just a month before her convincing final arguments were heard by the judge.

“As a young female and defender of speech, I am thrilled to know that our work is not in vain, said Higuera. I’ve regrettably had an abortion. And I’ve just recently experienced the incomparable joy of having a baby. I wish I would have had the opportunity to visit a pro-life clinic when I was just 16 years old and contemplating an abortion.

Yesterday’s ruling established that “[C]ompelled speech of a political or cultural nature is not the tool of a free government.”  Essentially, “The legislature may not use the wall of the physician’s office as a billboard to advertise the availability of low cost abortions….”

The ruling provides injunctive relief statewide and prevents the law from being enforced effective immediately.

Along with the American Center for Law & Justice, Tyler & Bursch, LLP also represents Livingwell Medical Clinic in a concurrent case in federal court. We are awaiting a decision in November from the U.S. Supreme Court as to whether the High Court will take the case. Our two-front strategy has given us the ability to win in either federal or state court...or, God willing, both.

      We are grateful to God for the wisdom of the words written in our state constitution! We also thank you for your faithful prayers and your tax-deductible donations which allow our Advocates attorneys to continue their pro bono work defending life and liberty in the courts!

Your Prayers Made All the Difference!

“Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he will sustain youand uphold you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 AMPYour Prayers Made All The Difference!

On Wednesday, October 18, Advocates for Faith & Freedom attorneys, Bob Tyler and Nada Higuera, gave their final arguments on the Scharpen Foundation case, challenging the California law that requires pro-life clinics to advertise for abortion clinics.Your prayers were felt as attorney Higuera, who just gave birth to a healthy daughter last month, presented a well-researched and convincing case that we are optimistic resonated with the judge.

Judge Gloria Trask assured us she will issue her ruling by November 21 and we will let you know as soon as we hear. This will be Judge Trask's last case, as following a 40-year career, she will be retiring.

We were grateful for the many pro-life supporters who filled the courtroom seats in theRiverside County Superior Court, including such well-behaved children, they even received a compliment from the judge!

And thank you to our faithful supporters at home! From the final preparations to the start of the hearing, to the closing arguments, your prayers made all the difference!

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Your tax-deductible donations are what allows us to continue to fight these important cases!

Twitter Backs Down to Citizen Activists

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn is the Republican chairwoman of the House panel that was created to investigate Planned Parenthood after they were secretly videotaped by pro-life activist David Daleiden admitting to selling fetal tissue for medical research.  Earlier this year Blackburn’s committee urged the federal government to stop taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood.

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn  is now running for U.S. Senate to replace retiring Tennessee Senator Bob Corker and her campaign kickoff just received more attention than she could have imagined thanks to what appears to be a politically biased opinion by Twitter.

Her campaign kickoff ad saying she “stopped the sale of baby body parts” was blocked by Twitter because they deemed the statement “inflammatory and likely to evoke a negative reaction.”

Blackburn immediately took to social media, claiming Twitter unfairly censored her ad because of its anti-abortion stance.  She urged her supporters to stand up to Silicon Valley elites and re-post her video ad themselves.

Evidently, her challenge worked because yesterday, Twitter reversed their decision and they will now allow Blackburn’s campaign to put her video announcement back up. On Fox news, Blackburn said she believes Twitter reversed its decision because “the American people rose up.”

Just as Representative Blackburn’s supporters stood with her against social media bias, Advocates for Faith & Freedom’s lawyers continue standing up in the courts against bias and religious discrimination.

Through the prayers and donations of our faithful supporters, we are defending the right of Chino Valley Unified School District School Board Members to say invocations before their meetings. We are helping Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship fight land-use discrimination so they can expand their church on their own property. And we are fighting to end California’s unconstitutional law that forces pro-life clinics like the Scharpen Foundation to refer their patients to abortion facilities.

All of these cases, and more, are continually coming before the courts for decisions that affect our constitutional and religious liberties!  When you think about your year-end charitable giving, please consider a gift to our important ministry.

We thank you for your faithful prayers and your tax-deductible donations!

Is Your High School Participating?

What better way to seek God’s holy intercession than to encourage students around the nation to participate in SEE YOU AT THE POLE 2017  Wednesday, September 27 at 7:00 AM!

         Please make sure the students in your family know about this special day by passing the following information along to them:

What began in Texas in 1990, when a small group of students came together to pray, has, over 25 years later, grown into a day of students uniting in prayer around the globe to pray for their generation.

See You at the Pole day brings student together on their own school campuses to pray before God for their schools, friends, churches, communities and their families.

Mark your calendars for this year’s SYATP 2017 prayer gathering and if there is not one already planned at your school, grab some friends and make it happen!

Important note:  Be sure to inform your principal and tell your church youth pastors. Put up posters at school and church. Include in school and church announcements. Text, call and email your friends. Post on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have questions, please feel free to email us at dferraro@faith-freedom.com or go to the SYATP website to find all the information you need about uniting in prayer with your fellow students!

We thank you for your faithful prayers and your tax-deductible donations!