Press Releases

Pennsylvania VA Chaplain Sanctioned for Chapel Message, Faces Sermon Censorship by Supervisor

Law firms send letter to new Secretary of Veterans Affairs Collins seeking action. Harrisburg, PA—Today, First Liberty Institute and the Independence Law Center sent a letter on behalf of Rusty Trubey, a veteran chaplain at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, asking U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to take immediate action to eliminate a speech code being imposed by the VA and ensure…

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Case of Mail Carrier Who Sued Postal Service and Won at U.S. Supreme Court Set for Trial

Gerald Groff lost his job after seeking religious accommodation to observe Sunday Sabbath, resulting in unanimous decision at Supreme Court. Philadelphia, PA—The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania rejected the U.S. Postal Service’s (“USPS”) motion for summary judgement, ordering a trial for Gerald Groff, the former mail carrier who filed a lawsuit against…

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Response to False Rumors Circulating About the Independence Law Center

Independence Law Center supports the goal of parents and school districts to see that everyone is treated with respect, and that the privacy rights of all students are protected. Independence Law Center always recommends privacy, including increasing privacy within existing facilities. We never suggest putting a window into restrooms with stalls.  It’s the position of the Independence Law…

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Press Release: Victory Ends Government Interference With Joy-El Ministries’ Release Time Program to Public School Students

(HARRISBURG, PA – December 18, 2023) Today, in a 4-3 decision in CBM Ministries v. DOT, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania granted a victory to Joy El Ministries in a case involving overreaching government mandates that would have hindered its ability to operate a popular “released time” program. “This is a great day for Joy El Ministries and the students they serve in its released time…

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US Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Free Speech in 303 Creative Case

Independence Law Center filed Amicus Brief in Defense of Lorie Smith and First Amendment Rights (HARRISBURG, PA - June 30, 2023) Today, in a 6-3 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of First Amendment freedoms of Lorie Smith in 303 Creative v. Elenis, rightly declaring that states cannot force a designer like Lorie to create expressive messages which she disagrees with. “This…

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