ACLJ Announces Settlement in Missouri Pastor Civil Rights Case
October 15, 2007
(Beverly Hills, MO) - The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, announced today the settlement of a case involving a church pastor who filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court claiming he was falsely arrested for conducting religious services without a license from the city.
The ACLJ filed suit in May, 2006 in U.S. District Court in St. Louis, Missouri on behalf of Pastor Bori Oginni and Lighted Path Ministries International. Defendants in the action included the City of Beverly Hills, Missouri, Mayor Clarence King, Chief of Police Joe Collins, and the arresting officer. The suit contended that the arrest of Pastor Oginni on May 23, 2004 for conducting a church service “without proper license” was a violation of Pastor Oginni’s constitutional rights.
“We are pleased to announce that this case has been settled and that the issues that led to the lawsuit have been resolved,” said Geoffrey Surtees, Associate Counsel of the ACLJ, which filed suit on behalf of the church and its pastor. “The ACLJ is committed to safeguarding the right of pastors, churches, and believers to preach the Gospel unhindered. We stand ready to vindicate the constitutional rights of persons like Pastor Oginni wherever and whenever necessary.”
In a settlement agreement reached between the parties, the city agreed to pay a sum of money in settlement of the pastor’s claims. In addition, Beverly Hills Chief of Police, Joe Collins, signed a letter stating that the city “does not tolerate discrimination or the violation of the civil rights of citizens.” With the agreement, the parties have agreed to dismiss the lawsuit.
The ACLJ specializes in constitutional law and civil liberties litigation and is based in Washington, D.C.
