News Release
For Immediate Release: 6.11.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
City of Ventura, CA Disavows Mayor’s Claim That They “Don’t Do Prayer” at City Council Meetings
The City Invites Resident to Re-Offer Prayer after Mayor Previously Interfered with her Comments at City Council Meeting
Ventura, CA—First Liberty Institute announced today that Tarin Swain has been invited back to re-offer her prayer at an upcoming Ventura City Council meeting after previously experiencing an interruption from the mayor during public comments and admonishment that “we don’t do prayer” at council meetings. The invitation and refutation of the mayor comes after First Liberty attorneys sent a letter challenging the city’s denial of her First Amendment rights.
“We applaud the city for recognizing the constitutional error and taking positive action to remedy the unfortunate censorship imposed on Mrs. Swain’s prayer,” said Nate Kellum, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute. “Mrs. Swain looks forward to returning to the meeting and praying without interruption.”
At the April city council meeting, Tarin Swain, a devout Christian, took her turn at the podium to give her comment for the 60 seconds she—like the 130 other commenters—was allocated. The comments concerned the CARE policy, which addresses “reproductive rights, immigrant residents, gender-diverse individuals and all residents of the City of Ventura from restrictive laws and external enforcement affairs.” Compelled by religious conviction, Tarin Swain used part of her time to pray about the situation. She was immediately met with boos and screaming from the audience. But she continued to pray through the disruptions until the mayor interjected with a warning about prayer. All other commenters were allowed to speak as they pleased, even a bird puppeteer who voiced his comments through squawking. The censorship was reserved solely for Tarin Swain’s prayer.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2025. In addition to her time to pray, Tarin will also be given the opportunity to share her comments when the CARE policy is raised for consideration.
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First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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