AU Program: "Hobby Lobby and its Aftermath" — Jan. 15, 2015 at 7 PM

Please join us January 15, 2015 at 7:00 PM to hear Gregory Lipper, Senior Litigation Counsel at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, discuss “Hobby Lobby and its Aftermath.” The program will be held at the Reason Center, 1824 Tribute Road, Suite A, Sacramento 95815.

In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, the Supreme Court ruled that a for-profit corporation can exclude contraception from its health insurance plans, based on the religious views of the corporation's owners. The basis for this 5-4 decision was not the First Amendment, but rather the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a statute passed in 1993. Never before had the Supreme Court allowed this type of exemption when it would deprive third parties of rights and benefits. And the Religious Right has already seized on Hobby Lobby to push for exemptions from antidiscrimination laws, including laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Greg will discuss the circumstances that led to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, how the Hobby Lobby decision has made it easier for the Religious Right to impose their religious beliefs on others, and how the decision may affect other laws—including civil rights protections for gays and lesbians.

A bit about Mr. Lipper: Greg received his J.D. magna cum laude, in 2003 from Harvard Law School. He litigates church/state cases at trial and on appeal, and was named a 2013 “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers. Most significantly for this program, he authored the amicus brief for Americans United and 30 faith groups, defending employees’ access to affordable contraception in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores. He was also part of the team that represented the Respondents in Town of Greece v. Galloway, the first Supreme Court case in over a decade to consider the limits on government-sponsored prayer.

This program is free and open to the public.

Re directions: be especially careful to stay on Tribute Road after the last turn and take the driveway to the left off the quasi cul-de-sac.

Sacramento Chapter of Americans United

hosts a FREE SCREENING of

God Loves Uganda

November 6, 2013, 7 pm

Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento

Guest Speakers and Discussion Leaders
The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker, Dean, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Elizabeth Sholes, Dir. of Special Projects, California Church IMPACT
Rev. Deacon Steve Skiffington, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

[Click Here to Reserve Your Seat]

About the film
God Loves Uganda follows Evangelical leaders in America and Uganda, as well as politicians and missionaries, as they attempt the radical task of eliminating “sexual sin” and converting Ugandans to fundamentalist Christianity. Interviews and hidden camera footage give unprecedented access into the rising influence of the evangelical movement in Uganda and the dangerous repercussions of intolerance.

The film is a powerful exploration of a campaign to change African culture with values imported from America’s Christian Right. The notorious Ugandan 'Kill the Gays' bill, largely American influenced, seeks to harshen the punishment and criminalization of homosexuality.

Shocking, horrifying, touching and enlightening, God Loves Uganda will make you question what you thought you knew about religion.

About this event
Our guest speakers will address the audience and lead an inter-active discussion following the film.

RSVPs are required to insure a seat. Doors open at 6:00 PM. All unclaimed seats will be released at 6:45 PM and allocated on a first-come, first-seated basis. If you RSVP and are unable to attend, please release your 'ticket.'

On-street parking is free after 6:00 PM; $5 flat fee for parking in the lot at 2nd and N Streets. More information at: crockerartmuseum.org/visit/parking-directions

Questions and Comments
Email Carol

[Click Here to Reserve Your Seat]

 

5/13/13 meeting will include remembrances of Susan Mogull

Our next meeting is Monday, May 13, 2013 at 7 pm.

The agenda will include time for remembrances of Susan Mogull. Susan was the Founder and past President of the Sacramento Chapter of Americans United.

The location is currently planned to be at the SMUD Customer Service Center (6301 S St, Sacramento). We'll send an email update if we move to a larger venue.

February Chapter Meeting

Monday, February 11, 2013, 7 pm
SMUD Customer Service Center
6301 S St, Sacramento Room
Timberline # 1 (Third Floor)

Please join us to get updates and learn how you can get involved to help with local separation of church and state issues. Agenda to be determined.

Questions or items for the agenda?
Contact President Carol Velarde 916-684-4730 or email