Religious Liberty for Business: The Hobby Lobby Decision, Local Ordinances and Double Standards

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Hiram Sasser

Recently, college students at various campuses were interviewed and asked whether a Muslim-owned small business should be compelled to provide customized creative services for a cause that violated their religious beliefs. All of the students agreed it should not. Yet, when quizzed about whether a Christian business should be compelled to do the same, their response was different. Why?  Join us as we discuss this issue, with Hiram Sasser, of the First Liberty Institute.

Hiram Sasser is an attorney representing Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of “Sweet Cakes by Melissa,” in a battle for the Oregon couple’s religious freedom. In 2013, a woman asked the Kleins to make a cake celebrating her same-sex wedding. As devout Christians, the Kleins felt that helping celebrate the wedding would violate their faith, so they declined to design and create the custom cake—only to have the State of Oregon punish them with a $135,000 penalty and issue a gag order against them. The Kleins were forced to shut down their bakery. They are appealing the ruling to the Oregon Court of Appeals. 

Mr. Sasser is Deputy Chief Counsel for First Liberty Institute, where he oversees Liberty Institute’s litigation efforts. Sasser’s practice focuses on First Amendment and other constitutional and civil rights issues. In addition to his legal duties, he develops, coordinates, and implements successful media strategies on behalf of his clients. This includes numerous appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, CNN, and the BBC as well as being heard on various radio stations throughout the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Prior to joining Liberty, Sasser graduated summa cum laude from Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he received recognition as the “Outstanding Graduate.” He earned his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. His military service includes serving as Headquarters Commander, a Company Executive Officer, and Training Officer in the United States Army Reserve.

In 2016, Sasser took a leave of absence to serve a temporary assignment as the Chief of Staff for the Attorney General of Texas.

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When:  Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:30 a.m. (registration), 12:00 p.m. (lunch)

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Cost: $30/members, $35/nonmembers, $20/students, for lunch and 1 hour of MCLE credit (the Federalist Society is a California State Bar approved provider of MCLE).

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