Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has secured the restoration of a Bible study for elderly residents of the Veterans Home of California. But PJI attorneys will continue to fight for full restoration of religious freedom in the Home.
Last week, PJI launched DefendArtis.com, which tells the story of PJI client Artis Breau and her Bible study attendees. The site includes poignant video of veterans and their widows relating what the Bible study has meant to them, and the shocking suppression of their rights by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). The site also includes a petition visitors can submit on the veterans’ behalf, calling on President Trump to investigate CalVet.
Late this past Friday, shortly after PJI launched DefendArtis.com, CalVet announced that it would allow the Bible study to resume, effective immediately, after it had been shut down for weeks. However, CalVet continues to insist that it can investigate and substantiate allegations against Artis and her fellow residents for expressing religious views it deems “offensive,” and even for discussing heaven and salvation.
“We are encouraged that CalVet realized it could no longer prohibit and threaten the veterans’ Bible study,” stated PJI President Brad Dacus. “At the same time, the agency’s position that it can continue to punish religious expression it deems discourteous or offensive is unacceptable. We’ve won an important first round in this battle for these heroes, and we are committed to seeing this through to complete victory.”
Full story at Pacific Justice Institute.
You would think that for all we fought for, including all the Bill of Rights, that an organization that supposedly supports veterans would openly support our right to be (or not be) free speech without fear of repercussion. This sounds more like what people in communist China have to endure.
Perhaps, CALVET needs to reflect on what its real mission is and appreciate our sacrifices.
While I agree Ms. Breau has rights to conduct Bible studies, those rights do not include prosletizing to those who express a desire not to participate. A little common courtesy from all will likely go a long way.
Most people have the social skills to get out of unwanted conversations. Sometimes very narcissistic people have a problem with anyone who says anything that they do not agree with. I know a woman who was Hindu and allowed her young son to attend a Baptist youth group with his friend from public school. He came home singing “Jesus loves me” and she was so upset that the youth group did not honor her son’s religion by not talking about Jesus while he was there. This is how silly it can get.