Contact: Brad Dacus, president, Pacific Justice Institute, 916-857-6900

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Dec. 16 /Christian Newswire/ --  The Pacific Justice Institute has contacted the City of Riverside to ensure that longstanding Christmas traditions—and free speech—are protected after Christmas carolers were silenced in order not to offend a non-Christian celebrity making an appearance.

The Rubidoux High School Madrigals were singing Christmas carols at the Riverside Outdoor Skating Rink at an event featuring Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen. A city staff member, accompanied by a police officer, approached the carolers while they were singing "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and asked them to stop. In order to avoid a scene, and due to the presence of the police officer, the choir director complied. According to the City's Development Director, the censoring city employee "was attempting to be sensitive to the celebrity guest, without considering the wider implications." Ms. Cohen is Jewish but apparently did not indicate that she was offended by the carolers.

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, has contacted the City of Riverside to offer legal counsel and ensure that the City understands the absurdity of the employee's actions. "It is beyond ridiculous when carolers are silenced in order not to offend a celebrity," Dacus stated. "We cannot and will not allow this type of extreme political correctness and censorship to go unchallenged."  

The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.