Federal Judge Rules that CA SB1172 Violates Free Speech

Sacramento, CA–In a pivotal 38-page ruling released this evening, United States District Court Judge William Shubb sided with Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) by granting their plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against California SB 1172—a new California law which prohibits licensed counseling of minors who seek to minimize or eliminate their same-sex-attraction.

“Because the court finds that SB 1172 is subject to strict scrutiny and is unlikely to satisfy this standard, the court finds that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their . . . claims based on violations of their rights to freedom of speech under the First Amendment,” wrote Judge Shubb.

PJI plaintiffs include a licensed therapist, Donald Welch, a medical doctor and board certified psychiatrist, Anthony Duk, and a current student studying to be a therapist who has experienced beneficial sexual orientation change efforts, Aaron Bitzer.

“This victory sends a clear signal to all those who feel they can stifle religious freedom, free speech, and the rights of parents without being contested,” said PJI President, Brad Dacus. “We at PJI are ready to fight this battle all the way to the supreme court, if necessary. This will be a long enduring battle with tremendous consequences for generations to come. We are grateful to those who are willing to support us in this critical time to preserve our freedoms and protect our children,” he continued.

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Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit legal organization dedicated to defending religious, parental, and other constitutional rights. 

P.O. Box 276600 Sacramento, CA 95827-6600 
Phone: (916) 857-6900 Fax: (916) 857-6902 
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