Yesterday, the Florida Supreme Court declined to consider a Wiccan group’s challenge to a state sales tax exemption. Earlier this year, the high court agreed to take the case and heard oral arguments from both sides regarding the Wiccan’s objection to a sales tax exemption for Bibles and other religious items. Liberty Counsel filed a brief with the Florida Supreme Court defending a state law that exempts Bibles, religious publications and ceremonial items from sales tax. In a 6-1 decision, the Court found no conflict in appellate court rulings on the underlying issue of whether the Wiccans have the right, or “standing,” to challenge the law.

Employee Fired for Pro-Marriage Sign Reinstated

Earlier, we told you about Luis Padilla, who had been fired from his position at Cargill Foods for displaying a sign on his car that said, "Please Vote for Marriage on November 7th." Cargill Foods has now reinstated Mr. Padilla with full back pay and benefits and has expunged all references to this incident from his employee file. Cargill also has agreed to institute a company-wide policy protecting the free speech rights of employees. While Cargill was certainly wrong in terminating Mr. Padilla in the first place, we are pleased to see Cargill act so decisively to protect Mr. Padilla's rights. Congratulations to Mr. Padilla for refusing to back down in the face of unlawful action that threatened to silence his viewpoint.

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.

Forward 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 that 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.