Government Concedes: Pastor Can Pray in Jesus’ Name on Memorial Day

IN THE CHURCH

Federal Judge Rules That Government May Not Discriminate Against Religious Speech.

HOUSTON, Texas, May 27, 2011 — Federal District Judge Lynn N. Hughes granted a temporary restraining order preventing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its Director of the Houston National Cemetery, Arleen Ocasio, from preventing Pastor Scott Rainey from praying in Jesus’ name during his invocation at a Memorial Day ceremony sponsored by the National Cemetery Council for Greater Houston (a private, non-profit association). At a conference with the judge moments ago, the government conceded and informed Pastor Rainey that it will not oppose his prayer on Memorial Day.

Candy Cane Case: Summary from the President

IN THE SCHOOL

Dear Friend,

Many people have asked me to summarize my impression of the oral arguments in the infamous “candy cane” case held before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals this week. As a supporter of Liberty Institute, I thought you would be interested in going behind the scenes to witness this battle for freedom.

Judge Prevents VA from Censoring Pastor’s Prayer in Jesus Name at Memorial Day Ceremony

IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

Judge Rules That Government May Not Discriminate Against Religious Speech

HOUSTON, Texas, May 26, 2011 – Federal District Judge Lynn N. Hughes just granted a temporary restraining order preventing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its Director of the Houston National Cemetery, Arleen Ocasio, from preventing Pastor Scott Rainey from praying in Jesus’ name during his invocation at a Memorial Day ceremony sponsored by the National Cemetery Council for Greater Houston (a private, non-profit association). Pastor Rainey was told by the VA that if he did not remove a reference to Jesus in his prayer, he would not be allowed to provide the invocation.

Court Hears Candy Cane Case: Will Fifth Circuit Court Rule Elementary Students Have No First Amendment Rights?

IN THE SCHOOL

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, May 23 – Moments ago, all seventeen judges sitting on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in one of the nation’s most important cases involving free speech, Morgan v. Plano Independent School District. Known nationwide as the “candy cane” case, the case’s outcome will likely determine whether or not elementary students are too young for the First Amendment right to free speech.

Veterans Ask Supreme Court to Stand for Roadside Memorials

IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

The American Legion Defends Memorials to Fallen Utah Highway Patrol Officers, Asks Supreme Court to Hear Case

Says American Atheists, Inc.’s Attack on Roadside Crosses Will Endanger Veterans Memorials

PLANO, Texas, May 20 — The American Legion, represented by the Liberty Institute, just filed a friend-of-the-court brief in American Atheists, Inc. v. Davenport, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an opinion from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals that declared roadside crosses memorializing fallen Utah Highway Patrol officers unconstitutional.

Liberty Institute Testifies Before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

Liberty Institute recently testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in connection with its 2011 statutory enforcement report, Federal Enforcement of Civil Rights Laws to Protect Students Against Bullying, Violence and Harassment.

Candy Cane News Room

IN THE SCHOOL

Two Former U.S. Solicitors General Join Liberty Institute in Arguing Infamous “Candy Cane Case”:

All 17 Fifth Circuit Judges to Hear Arguments Regarding Students’ Free Speech Rights

Read the Press Release »

About Liberty Institute
Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal group dedicated to defending and restoring religious liberty across America — in our schools, for our churches and throughout the public arena. Liberty’s vision is to reestablish religious liberty in accordance with the principles of our nation’s Founders. For information, visit www.LibertyInstitute.org.