by Jorge Gomez • 2 minutes
First Liberty—along with volunteer attorneys at the law firm Baker Botts LLP and the Church State Council— recently asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case of our client, Fire Chief Ron Hittle, who was fired for attending a leadership conference hosted at a church.
As the Supreme Court deliberates whether it’ll hear this case, Americans are coming together to support Chief Hittle in this important legal fight.
We’re happy to announce that nine friend-of-the-court (amicus) briefs were filed at the nation’s highest court supporting Chief Hittle’s case. That’s a tremendous and encouraging outpouring of support! Several national organizations are urging the Supreme Court to reverse a lower court decision that upheld the City of Stockton’s firing of Chief Hittle. That diverse coalition includes:
“We are grateful for the support from these reputable organizations who reject the religious hostility that led to the firing of an honorable civil servant,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Stephanie Taub. “We are hopeful the Supreme Court will protect the religious rights of all Americans who fulfill the duties of their roles while remaining consistent with their religious beliefs.”
“No one in America should be fired for living out their faith,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel for First Liberty. “We are grateful for the outpouring of support for our client and are hopeful the Supreme Court will protect the right of every American to live out their faith in the workplace without fear of getting fired.”
This broad showing of support for Chief Hittle highlights just how vital this case is for religious liberty in America. With this many amicus briefs filed, it’s clear that many Americans recognize the huge implications this case could have for every religious person in the workplace.
What happened to Chief Hittle was wrong—and illegal. Federal law protects against religious discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Employers cannot fire or take adverse action against employees based on their religion.
But this case isn’t just about one firefighter. It impacts the rights and protections of every person in the workplace. Many Americans are being forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood. Our nation’s laws protect people of faith so they should not have to face that choice. A win for Chief Hittle would be a win for millions of Americans.
Fire Chief Hittle is counting on your help to win his case. Your support can ensure he and every American—including you, your children and grandchildren—can practice their faith without fear of losing their job.
This case is your opportunity to impact the future of religious liberty in America. In this final stretch, you can still make a huge difference and help us secure a victory for Chief Hittle and millions of people of faith in the workplace. Please give to First Liberty today.
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