Countdown To Critical Court Hearing

Mar 3, 2026

Federal Case Threatens Christian Schools and Ministries 

This week, I will participate in yet another moot court in preparation for a critical oral argument later this month at a federal Court of Appeals. All eyes are on this case because the implications are far reaching.

The lower court’s opinion forces a Christian ministry to employ people like Jonathan Zinski whose behavior openly defies its doctrinal statement and beliefs. So what if Liberty University looks like a hypocrite for employing someone who openly rejects its Doctrinal Statement, the court opined.

This ruling makes religious freedom meaningless. What good is a Statement of Faith if the employees can openly disobey it every day? A Christian ministry, especially a school, speaks through its employees. Liberty Counsel is fighting to stop this madness before it consumes YOUR church and Christian school.

Don’t let the LGBTQ “trans” our churches and Christian schools! Support our legal fund today and a matching grant will DOUBLE your gift!

Liberty Counsel is defending Liberty University (LU) against Jonathan Zinski, a biological male who is suing the school in an attempt to override its Christian doctrine. Zinski’s change of name to “Ellenor” and his plan to undergo mutilating surgery to make himself appear to be a “woman” directly defied LU’s core Christian beliefs. 

God created us in His image as male and female. Period! To identify as anything other than how God created you is to say God made a mistake. The trans agenda is opposed to our Creator. This LGBTQ nonsense falsely tells people they can create themselves in their own image. 

Zinski demanded not only to be called “Ellenor,” but he also demanded to dress like a woman and have Liberty’s health insurance pay for his female hormones and mutilating surgeries.  

Zinski is represented by the ACLU, and the ENTIRE point of their case is to force not just Liberty University but also every single Bible-believing Christian school, institution, and church to ABANDON Christian doctrine regarding God’s design for man and woman.  

They seek to force Christians to replace biblical morals with the twisted LGBTQ agenda.  

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this case. If the ACLU wins in Zinski v. Liberty University, it will not stop at forcing warped gender ideology. They will use such a win to destroy every single measure of Christian doctrine until religious freedom is eradicated. 

How long until they ban the Bible for including “hate speech” against the LGBTQIt's already happening around the globe!

In 2019, Finnish Member of Parliament Paivi Rasanen was charged and tried for “hate speech” after posting Romans 1:24-27, which condemns homosexuality, to social media. Nearly seven years later, Rasanen is STILL battling these charges.

In addition, Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola was charged with the crime of “agitation against a minority group.” He faces TWO YEARS IN PRISON for publishing a pamphlet including Bible verses condemning homosexuality —a CRIME under the “war crimes and crimes against humanity” section in the Finnish criminal code.

There are scores of other stories just like this all across Europe. In fact, right now the Canadian Parliament is considering a bill that would label the Bible “hate speech” because of its admonition against homosexuality. 

America is the last stand for religious freedom.

We cannot allow one man in drag to destroy Christianity.

My next moot court session is later this week. I will then present oral argument later this month. We need your help to FIGHT and WIN.

Your gift of 50, 100, 250, or more will help defend the Christian faith against the LGBTQ attempts to SILENCE the Word and people of God. A special Challenge Grant will DOUBLE the impact of your gift. Please give generously today. America’s future depends on it.

Pray for me and our legal team as we near the oral argument date. Also, pray for the federal judges and their law clerks. Whatever happens at the Court of Appeals, this case will likely wind up at the U.S. Supreme Court. 
Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel


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SOURCES:

Farrow, Anna. “Canada’s Combatting Hate Act Hates Religious Freedom.” First Things, December 24, 2025. Firstthings.com/canadas-combatting-hate-act-hates-religious-freedom/.

“Written Testimony: Päivi Räsänen — Europe’s Threat to Speech and Innovation: Part II.” U.S. House Judiciary Committee Hearing, February 4, 2026. Docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU00/20260204/118923/HHRG-119-JU00-Wstate-RsnenP-20260204.pdf.

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