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Today, Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place Church in Bryan, Ohio was found guilty of a criminal charge regarding a fire code violation filed against him by city officials. The year-long battle with the City of Bryan that has continuously attempted to shut down the church, Dad’s Place, resulted in a conviction for the caring pastor.  Pastor Avell was fined $200 and given a 60-day suspended jail sentence.  The judge stayed his decision for 30-days to allow the Avell’s attorneys to appeal.

The following statement may be attributed to David Hacker, Vice President of Litigation and Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute, regarding President Trump’s announcement that military members who refused the COVID-19 vaccine will receive back pay:

The battle to restore those members of the military who stood up for their beliefs against the vaccine mandate was a long and difficult battle, but our Navy SEAL and military clients never gave up.  We are thrilled that those members of the military who were guided by their conscience and steadfast in their faith will not be penalized in their military careers and are grateful to President Trump for standing with our military and restoring these brave, faithful warriors.

The following statement regarding oral argument at the Texas Supreme Court in Paxton v. Annunciation House, a lawsuit brought against a religious non-profit, may be attributed to David Hacker, Vice President of Litigation and Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute:

Attorneys for First Liberty Institute and the law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP today urged the U.S. District Court of Arizona to uphold Peoria Unified School District School Board President Heather Rooks’ right to recite scripture during the meetings.

Late last week, First Liberty Institute and the law firm Baker Botts L.L.P asked the Supreme Court of the United States to review a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit that prevents parents from litigating pro se on behalf of their children in federal court.