Summary
The city of Houston attempted to subpoena 17 different types of communications belonging to several area pastors in a lawsuit in which the pastors are not even involved. City officials were upset over a voter lawsuit filed after the city council rejected valid petitions to repeal a law that, in part, allows members of the opposite sex into each other’s restrooms. The city illegitimately demanded that the pastors, who were not party to the lawsuit, turn over their constitutionally protected speeches, e-mails, text messages, and other communications with their congregants simply so the city could see if the pastors had ever opposed or criticized the city.
Press Releases
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ADF: Texas high court right to stop Houston’s abuse of power -
Houston mayor withdraws subpoenas, but scandal not fully resolved
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US civil rights commissioner to Houston mayor: Withdraw subpoenas of pastors
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Houston still doesn't get it with 'revised' subpoenas
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No support for claim that Houston is 'backing off' subpoenas
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Houston, we have a problem
Case Documents
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Case Profiles
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Christiana Kiefer
Senior Counsel
Christiana (Holcomb) Kiefer serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where she is a key member of the Center for Conscience Initiatives.