Good news, we secured a win for our client Tarin Swain.
The Mayor of Ventura, California interrupted and ordered her to stop praying during her time for public comment at a city council meeting. First Liberty sent a letter to the mayor challenging the city’s violation of her First Amendment rights.
We’re happy to announce that Tarin has been invited back to offer her prayer at an upcoming meeting.
Tarin is a mom and devout Christian. In April, she attended a city council meeting to voice her concerns regarding the proposed CARE policy that would affect her children. With over 130 individuals ready to speak and only 60 seconds to do so, she felt compelled by religious conviction to use part of her time to pray.
As she began praying, others in attendance booed and shouted. She continued praying through the disruption, but the mayor stopped her, admonishing that “we don’t do prayer” at city council meetings.
More than 100 people spoke during the meeting using different signs and images, including a man who held up a bird puppet and “interpreted” its squawks. Tarin, however, was the one person silenced because of what she said, even though others spoke without interruption.
“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.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for June 26. In addition to 60 seconds to re-offer her prayer, the city agreed to allow Tarin the opportunity to comment on the CARE policy when it is considered.
