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These articles should stir in us a passion as people of faith to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Truth, Prayer, and Action are the key. We must know the Truth (be aware of the critical state of our nation and issues affecting our faith and freedom), Prayer (pray for God to bring justice and ask Him what you can do), and Action (we must use our voice and resources to protect our rights). Practical ways to help include: telling others, gathering people to pray, communicating with your representatives, and giving to organizations on the front lines.
Together, we are making a difference!
“Christians shouldn’t be prohibited from expressing their beliefs in a clearly public area. Our courts should understand this more than anyone else,” said ADF Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “This man was doing nothing other than exercising his First Amendment right to peacefully share his faith with people willing to interact with him or accept his religious literature. That is a protected free speech activity that cannot be outlawed on a public sidewalk, whether it is near a courthouse or anywhere else.”
Beginning in July 2008, Miano routinely stood on a public sidewalk outside the San Fernando Courthouse from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. to share his faith and distribute religious literature. But on Aug. 26, 2008, a Los Angeles County sergeant and a deputy sheriff stopped Miano and told him that he was not permitted to speak or hand out literature at that location. They provided him with a copy of a general order from the L.A. County Superior Courts detailing its regulation of speech activities outside county courthouses.
In December 2008, ADF attorneys sent the San Fernando Courthouse Presiding Judge Robert J. Shuit a letter explaining that the general order he directed the officers to issue to Miano did not prohibit Miano from exercising his constitutional rights.
ADF attorneys contend that Miano was well outside the 100-foot zone from the courthouse’s operational doors. The only doors within the 100-foot range from Miano’s free speech activities are largely unused emergency exits.
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