Forward | Give | Share:   Dear Phil,  You've probably heard about the controversy with the HGTV show "Fixer Upper" and a news article bullying the show's hosts, Chip and Joanna Gaines, because of their church's view on marriage. But do you know about some of the bullying happening in various parts of Pennsylvania?
- Selinsgrove – without school board approval and without informing the parents and students, the district changed their policy to allow boys to use the girls locker rooms and shower facilities, and vice versa. The board just fired the school solicitor for its bad advice, but has not yet stopped the practice of permitting people to use restrooms of the opposite sex. Students and parents alike are facing significant bullying simply for desiring common-sense privacy for all students.
- Carlisle – On December 8th, Borough Council is considering passage of an ordinance similar to the laws that have been used to both fine and shut down businesses because of the owners' views on marriage. Businesses and schools would also be forced to open their bathrooms to members of the opposite biological sex.
- Statewide – The Freedom From Religion Foundation has begun a campaign sending letters attempting to intimidate football players and coaches at various Pennsylvania Public Schools and demanding investigations into pre-game rituals across the state.
 Oil City – A public park bench (pictured, right), donated by the VFW in 2003, is being removed after a complaint because it had the inscription, "Men Who Aren't Governed by God, Will Be Governed By Tyrants." - Franklin – A letter was sent to city officials saying there is "an illegal display of a Christian Nativity scene" on public property and asking for its removal.
- Harrisburg – Out-of-state billionaires are hiring top lobbyists to push troubling legislation that would impact your personal privacy and religious freedom.
Are you tired of seeing your neighbors bullied for their faith? Pennsylvania should be a welcoming place for a diversity of beliefs and viewpoints while still providing for the freedom of expression and the protection of fundamental freedoms like personal privacy. We are working hard to provide critical legal advice and representation to Pennsylvanians facing bullying for their faith. Be proactive: There are steps you can take to defend against those who choose to bully others for their faith. First, if you or someone you know is being bullied for your faith or forced into accepting policies that threaten your personal privacy, know that there is a legal organization in Pennsylvania in place to serve you. The Independence Law Center is available to offer insights and legal assistance, free of charge, in cases involving religious freedom and personal privacy. Click here to contact the Independence Law Center online or call 717-657-4990. Second, here are a few resources related to specific areas of bullying through school or government policy: 1. School Board of Directors: What you can present to any school board member as it relates to the "Dear Colleague" letter sent by the Obama administration and Title IX funding: - The U.S. Supreme Court Took the Case!: Schools can continue to maintain biologically distinct locker rooms, bathrooms and showers while waiting for the Supreme Court to rule on the issue next year.
2. City Council Members Our team has various resources available if your community is considering an ordinance that threatens personal privacy and religious freedom. Contact our team directly for help: 717-657-4990. 3. State Government January 23, 2017 - that's the first day of the two-year State Legislative Session. As we approach that date, be sure to understand what the troubling legislation that threatens personal privacy and religious freedom is all about:
###  The Independence Law Center uses skilled litigation, policy development and education to defend your rights to exercise religious and other First Amendment freedoms. Victories range from allowing the gospel to continue to be shared through Joy El Ministries to representing Conestoga Wood Specialties in their religious freedom victory at the U.S. Supreme Court with Hobby Lobby.
If you, your pastor or someone in your community is in need of help defending their religious freedom or personal privacy, get in touch with the Independence Law Center:
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We receive regulars inquiries for help and if you want to make sure people receive prompt assistance, free of charge, please donate today to the efforts of the Independence Law Center. Click here to make a secure, online tax-deductible donation. 
Independence Law Center 23 N Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 717-657-4990 | pafamily.org  | 
