When Camp Constitution submitted an application to celebrate the federally recognized Constitution Day and raise a flag in order to celebrate Boston’s rich Judeo-Christian heritage and the Christian community, the application was denied simply because it used the word “Christian.”

For 12 years, from 2005 to 2017, the City of Boston encouraged “all applicants” to apply for use of the city’s “public forums.” Individuals and groups alike could fill out a permit application to reserve the square and one of the flagpoles to conduct their private events. Over the years, hundreds of permitted events have taken place on the square and at least 284 separate private flags have flown on the designated pole.

Some of the private flags were Boston Pride, Metro Credit Union and many representing Boston’s diverse communities. The Chinese Progressive Association raised the flag of the People’s Republic of China to openly celebrate the genocidal leader Mao Zedong, who butchered more than 65 million people in his quest for power.

But, Boston, the “Cradle of Liberty,” denied Camp Constitution’s flag during Constitution Week because of one word on the application—the word “Christian.” A Boston commissioner testified that had the flag been called anything but Christian, the same flag would have been approved.

Liberty Counsel sued the City of Boston on behalf of Camp Constitution, and I will personally argue this case before the U.S. Supreme Court TOMORROW, Tuesday, January 18, at 10 a.m. ET.

This case will set national precedent in the fight to stop the silencing of Christian viewpoints and speech.

Now that the City of Boston is being sued for obvious religious discrimination, the city is attempting to claim that if it approves an application with the word “Christian,” it would be establishing a religion. If granting a permit to raise a flag is “endorsement” as the city now claims, then Boston endorses several questionable historical events—including Mao Zedong’s genocide campaign—but an application with the word “Christian” is not allowed!

The fact is, there is a crucial difference between government endorsement of religion and private speech in a public forum.

An amicus brief submitted by 12 states supporting our position rightly notes, “This is a case about religious discrimination masquerading as government speech.”

In addition to the 12 states supporting our case against Boston’s clear discrimination, the United States has also filed an amicus brief in support. Nine (blue) states and the District of Columbia have filed a brief opposing us. This case has caught the attention of the nation.

Censoring religious viewpoints in a public forum where secular viewpoints are permitted is unconstitutional and a violation of the First Amendment.

If we lose, then any government could censor religious viewpoints and speech in any public forum, from the city square to the National Mall. Please be in prayer for a good result.

After nearly two years of fighting tyrannical governments that criminally charged and arrested pastors for opening their churches, and now fighting abusive shot mandates, a loss in this case would allow cities, states and the federal government to silence Christian viewpoints at will.

We CANNOT allow bigots to continue eliminating Christian viewpoints from the public square, nor can we allow them to effectively enact “religion free zones” in this country that was founded upon Judeo-Christian values.

We need your help to stop the silencing of Christianity.

Since early 2020, we have fought for the rights of courageous pastors and parishioners against COVID restrictions, while keeping cities and states from shutting down, seizing and even destroying churches that chose to exercise their RIGHT to religious freedom and freedom of assembly. And we continue to fight Joe Biden’s unlawful shot mandates and so much more in courtrooms across America.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).

Mat Staver Founder and Chairman Liberty Counsel

P.S. Don’t forget! You can WATCH LIVE as we argue before the Supreme Court tomorrow, Tuesday January 18, at 10 a.m. EST: lc.org/.

Sources:

Morgan, Ryan. 2019. “Communist China’s Flag Raised above Boston City Hall Plaza, Philly; Supported by Elected Officials.” American Military News. October 8, 2019. Americanmilitarynews.com/2019/10/communist-chinas-flag-raised-above-boston-city-hall-plaza-philly-supported-by-elected-officials/.

“USA and 12 States Support LC in Free Speech Case - Liberty Counsel.” 2021. Liberty Counsel. Lc.org/newsroom/details/112421-usa-and-11-states-support-lc-in-free-speech-case.