Gabriel Olivier was banned from sharing his faith in a public park. When he challenged the local ordinance, he was denied his day in court. But now the U.S. Supreme Court has taken up his case.
Gabe, like millions of Americans, loves his family and is passionate about sharing his Christian faith. He hosts Bible studies and shares the Gospel wherever he goes.
Gabe went to a public park to stand outside a well-attended event, as he had numerous times before, to talk to others about his beliefs. But he was forced into a remote “protest” area, isolated from those he wanted to reach.
The city of Brandon, Mississippi prohibits by law Gabe or anyone else from engaging in religious speech – whether through conversations, signs, or even a t-shirt – in a significant portion of a public park. Dissatisfied that no one could hear him, Gabe left the designated area so he could actually reach people. The police arrested him. He paid the fine and was released.
After his arrest, Gabe challenged the local ordinance in federal court, arguing that his religious liberty rights were violated. But the court dismissed his constitutional claim. So, Gabe wasn’t just prohibited from sharing the Gospel. He was also denied his day in court, one of our most basic rights as Americans.
As a nation built on religious freedom, talking about your faith to people in a public park should not be prohibited. And you shouldn’t be arrested or charged for doing so. But if that were to happen—as it did with Gabe—you should be able to go to court and plead your case.
Religious liberty is meaningless if Americans can’t go to court to seek relief when that freedom is violated. If you can’t challenge a violation of your rights or bring your case before a court, are you truly and fully free to exercise your religion?
*If contributions exceed the immediate needs of a specific project or case, First Liberty may redirect funds at its discretion to provide support for other religious liberty matters.
– First Liberty President, CEO, & Chief Counsel Kelly Shackelford
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Gabe’s case—and the outcome will impact the civil rights of every American, religious or not.
The stakes in this case couldn’t be any higher. This involves more than your right to share your convictions with others. It involves everyone’s constitutional right to have their day in court.
There has not been a case like this at the nation’s highest court in a very long time. This is a tremendous opportunity to set a precedent that strengthens protections for religious liberty, free speech and due process.
Gabe has already shown much courage and resilience as he stands up against the city’s unconstitutional policy. But now, we’re going into the most intense and demanding phase of this legal battle. This is when Gabe and First Liberty need YOUR support the most.
Taking a case to the highest court in the country always demands a great deal of work and resources, and we need to replenish our arsenal to prepare for oral argument. Your gift today makes an enormous difference.
As we fight for Gabe at the Supreme Court, we will also be fighting for you, your family and for a country where our kids and grandkids can live out their faith without fearing that they’ll be arrested. Please support First Liberty with a timely donation today.
*If contributions exceed the immediate needs of a specific project or case, First Liberty may redirect funds at its discretion to provide support for other religious liberty matters.
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