Current Legal Battles

Click the links below to view our press releases.

State Settles “Bride” and “Groom” Lawsuit

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
04/01/2009

Sacramento, CA – The State of California has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a couple whose marriage license was rejected last summer because they identified themselves as “Bride” and “Groom.” The couple is represented by affiliate and staff attorneys with Pacific Justice Institute.

PJI Launches Baccalaureate Project

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
03/26/2009

Sacramento, CA – Pacific Justice Institute is announcing a new effort to encourage student clubs and churches to host baccalaureate services for high school seniors.

A PJI Celebration of Justice “Like No Other” Sets Sail April 25

City: 
Newport Beach, CA
Date: 
03/19/2009

Newport Beach, CA – Pacific Justice Institute is announcing plans for an unforgettable Celebration of Justice in Southern California the evening of April 25, 2009.

This year’s event will be held aboard The Majestic, which will cruise Newport Harbor while guests enjoy one-of-a-kind views, entertainment, dinner and live auction. FoxNews personality Bill Sammon will be joining us as the guest speaker for the evening, and PJI will be presenting special awards to Dr. Jim Garlow, actor Kirk Cameron, and others who are making a difference for faith, family and freedom.

Church Allowed to Hold Easter Services in Park After PJI Intervenes

City: 
Ellicott City, MD
Date: 
03/18/2009

Calvary Chapel is gearing up for an outdoor community Easter celebration this Sunday in Ellicott City's Centennial Park. But as worshipers reflect, youth sway with the band and kids romp in the children's play area, most will likely be unaware that it almost didn't happen - not for lack of interest, but because the County initially refused to allow the gathering on the basis of "separation of church and state."

School Board Upholds Parental Rights Over Objections of the ACLU

City: 
Vista, CA
Date: 
03/18/2009

Vista, CA – The board of trustees of the Vista Unified School District voted unanimously to require that pupils obtain parental permission before leaving campus for “confidential medical services.” It is well understood that the term “confidential medical services” is a euphemism for abortion. The American Civil Liberties Union vehemently opposed the decision of the board.

D.C. Judge Dismisses Atheist Lawsuit Against Inauguration Prayer

City: 
Washington, D.C
Date: 
03/12/2009

Washington, D.C. – A federal judge in Washington, D.C., today dismissed a lawsuit filed by atheist Michael Newdow, the American Humanist Association and others which had claimed that the traditions of saying prayers and “so help me God” at the presidential inauguration were unconstitutional. Newdow had sought to continue the case after his initial request for an injunction was denied four days prior to the inauguration.

Atheists Ask Federal Court to Ban Highway Memorial Crosses

City: 
Denver, CO
Date: 
03/09/2009

Denver, CO – An atheist group is asking a federal appeals court this week to prohibit the use of memorial crosses along Utah highways to mark sites where state troopers have been killed in the line of duty. The crosses are privately funded, but the atheists claim the Utah Highway Patrol insignia illegally mixes church and state.

Justices Skewer Attorneys at Prop. 8 Oral Arguments

City: 
San Francisco, CA
Date: 
03/05/2009

San Francisco, CA – Today’s just-concluded oral arguments at the California Supreme Court over the validity of Prop. 8 were marked by lively exchanges between attorneys and the justices. Attorneys from Pacific Justice Institute observed today’s arguments and had the following analysis.

PJI: Democracy Hangs in the Balance This Week at Calif. Supreme Court

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
03/02/2009

Sacramento, CA – The landmark cases testing the validity of Proposition 8 will be argued this week before the California Supreme Court. Pacific Justice Institute has filed several legal briefs in support of Proposition 8.

Sacramento Library Board To Vote this Week on Internet Porn Policy

City: 
Sacramento, CA
Date: 
02/26/2009

The Sacramento Public Library Authority Board is expected to vote this week on whether it will change its internet use policy to allow greater access to pornography. The Board considered the issue last month but did not take action. The ACLU has claimed it would be unconstitutional for the Board to limit access to porn in public libraries. Even library staff are urging the Board to only disallow activities that are already illegal, such as the viewing of child pornography.