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North Carolina officials have agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Liberty Counsel, challenging the state park policy used to threaten members of Grace Baptist Church for exercising their free speech rights. The day before the preliminary injunction hearing, which was scheduled this week, officials with the state of North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation signed a settlement agreement that also included attorney’s fees and costs. Liberty Counsel represents Pastor Tony Rivers and other church members, who were silenced for sharing the gospel. 

Read our News Release for more details.

America's Spiritual Heritage Proclaimed Throughout the Land

Today, following the National Day of Prayer Service, members of Congress and leaders of faith-based groups will hold a bipartisan press conference to affirm America’s Christian heritage, as outlined in America’s Spiritual Heritage Resolution (H.Res. 397), and to address President Obama's recent statement, made while visiting Turkey, that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation...." 

Anita Staver, President of Liberty Counsel, will participate in the press conference, along with Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), and other members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus. Leaders of other faith-based organizations will also stand with the members to affirm America's rich religious heritage.

Read our recent News Release and remember to pray!

Senate Hate Crimes Bill Dangerous to Free Speech

Senator Ted Kennedy introduced a "hate crimes" bill (S. 909) similar to H.R. 1913 (Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009), the bill that passed the House last week. Hate crime bills are designed to give "actual or perceived" sexual preference or "gender identity" (which is classified as a mental disorder) the same legal status as race.

Mathew Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “Sexual orientation and gender identity include pedophilia and every imaginable deviant fetish. Obviously, this bill is not about the prevention of crime but is all about pushing a radical sexual anarchy. This bill will crush free speech and trample free exercise of religion.”

Senator Kennedy's bill, which has 34 cosponsors, has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. There is still time to combat this bill, and here is how you can help: 

• Sign the Petition to Congress against "Hate Crimes" laws.
• Contact Your Senators and request them to vote NO. They will listen to constituents.
• Call the Capitol Switchboard number, (202) 224-3121, and ask to be connected to your Senator.
• Continue to pray against this dangerous piece of legislation. Together we can make a difference.

Please help inform as many people as possible by forwarding this Liberty Alert to your entire e-mail list of family and friends, and encourage them to subscribe.

Liberty Counsel does not charge clients for representation, so we depend on individuals, groups and churches who care about advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life and the traditional family. Liberty Counsel is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that accepts tax-deductible donations. Donate or order resources from the Liberty Counsel online store.