The City of Boston permitted the public celebration of a genocide that claimed more than 65 million lives but refused to permit Camp Constitution’s celebration simply because the word “Christian” was used on its application. Read on to learn more about the landmark case I will be arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court two weeks from today. — Mat

Help Liberty Counsel STOP the SILENCING of CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINTS in AMERICA!

For 12 years, from 2005 to 2017, the City of Boston encouraged local citizens to apply for use of the City’s “public forums.” Individuals and groups alike could fill out a permit application to reserve the square and one of the flagpoles in order to celebrate Boston’s rich history and culture. Over the years, hundreds of permitted events have taken place on the square and at least 284 separate private flags have flown on the designated pole.

Boston’s policy welcomed “all applicants,” but we learned that city officials harbored religious bigotry. All applicants did not include Christian viewpoints.

Flags flown have sported symbols of and celebrated Islam, Boston Pride, LGBTQ and even the Chinese Communist Party. But when Camp Constitution submitted an application to fly the Christian flag in order to celebrate Boston’s rich Judeo-Christian heritage, the application was denied simply because the application contained the word “Christian.”

Liberty Counsel sued the City of Boston on behalf of Camp Constitution, and I will personally argue this case before the U.S. Supreme Court on January 18. This case will set national precedent.

STOP THE SILENCING OF CHRISTIAN SPEECH! Our Challenge Grant that will DOUBLE your gift has been extended by a generous donor.

Now that they are being sued for obvious religious discrimination, the City of Boston is attempting to claim that if it approves an application with the word “Christian,” it would be establishing a religion. If granting a permit to raise a flag is “endorsement” as the city now claims, then Boston endorses several questionable historical events—including the bloody communist revolution in China.

On September 29,2019, the City of Boston approved a permit by the Chinese Progressive Association of Boston. This group celebrates Mao Zedong’s communist revolution that resulted in the genocide of more than 65 million people. Boston had no problem with allowing a group to celebrate genocide in the city’s public forum, but an application with the word “Christian” is not allowed!

The fact is, there is a crucial difference between government endorsement of religion and private speech in a public forum.

In an amicus brief submitted by 12 states supporting our position, the brief rightly notes, “This is a case about religious discrimination masquerading as government speech.”

In addition to the 12 states supporting our case against Boston’s clear discrimination, the United States has also filed an amicus brief in support. Nine (Blue) states and the District of Columbia have filed a brief opposing us. This case has caught the attention of the nation.

This case will set national precedent.

Censoring religious viewpoints in a public forum where secular viewpoints are permitted is unconstitutional and a violation of the First Amendment.

If we lose, then any government could censor religious viewpoints and speech in any public forum, from the city square to the National Mall.

After nearly two years of fighting tyrannical governments that criminally charged and arrested pastors for opening their churches, and now enforce abusive shot mandates, a loss in this case would allow cities, states and the federal government to silence Christians at will.

We CANNOT allow bigots to continue eliminating Christian viewpoints from the public square, nor can we allow them to effectively enact “religion free zones” in this country that was founded upon Judeo-Christian values.

We need your help to stop the silencing of Christianity.

Liberty Counsel was founded 32 years ago to defend religious freedom, the right to life and the family.

As you know, Liberty Counsel NEVER charges for our legal services. Few could afford to defend themselves against the endless resources of a government agency gone rogue. We have been fighting the City of Boston in this case for several years.

Since early 2020, we have fought for the rights of courageous pastors and parishioners against the COVID restrictions, while keeping cities and states from shutting down, seizing and even destroying churches that chose to exercise their RIGHT to religious freedom and freedom of assembly.

Since early 2021, we have fought to protect the religious faithful from being forced to violate their consciences by being forced to take Joe Biden’s unlawful jabs. We’ve even filed suit against Biden himself and will be in court arguing that landmark case very soon.

And we continue to defend sidewalk counselors, pro-life warriors and a fearless undercover journalist who exposed Planned Parenthood’s horrific “Baby Parts for Sale” scheme, and so much more.

These past several years defending the faithful against secular governments gone mad has taxed our resources. Please, help us STOP THE ATTACKS ON FREEDOM! Please, give generously TODAY.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel

Sources:

Morgan, Ryan. 2019. “Communist China’s Flag Raised above Boston City Hall Plaza, Philly; Supported by Elected Officials.” American Military News. October 8, 2019. https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/10/communist-chinas-flag-raised-above-boston-city-hall-plaza-philly-supported-by-elected-officials/.

“USA and 12 States Support LC in Free Speech Case - Liberty Counsel.” 2021. Liberty Counsel. lc.org/newsroom/details/112421-usa-and-11-states-support-lc-in-free-speech-case.