CV NEWS FEED // A federal court recently dismissed a lawsuit against a Christian pastor who had encouraged people not to reappoint a pro-LGBT pastor to a local library board.
The case was filed by pro-LGBT pastor Brian Kirk after another pastor, Josh Blevins, wrote a letter to the city council of St. Joseph, Missouri, urging it to not appoint Kirk to the library board based on his views on sexuality. Blevins reportedly also posted similar statements on Facebook and preached a sermon at his church.
Kirk was not re-appointed to the library board, and he sued Blevins for discrimination and defamation. However, a federal court dismissed the case on August 21, finding that Blevins was simply exercising his First Amendment rights to petition government officials and exercise free speech.
Kelly Chang Rickert, an attorney with Advocates for Faith and Freedom, which represented Blevins in the case, stated in a news release that the ruling was a “win for the First Amendment” as well as “individuals across this country who want to stand up for their beliefs without fear of persecution.”
Blevins welcomed the ruling, stating in the news release that “This dismissal is an important first step in protecting the rights of all Americans.”
“I am thankful the judge ruled in our favor, and I am optimistic that our case will serve as the standard bearer for religious freedom cases across the country,” he said.
