American Humanist Association Wins First Amendment Case Against City of Ocala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 21, 2025

Contact: Court Beyer, cbeyer@americanhumanist.org

WASHINGTON – After nearly a decade of litigation, the American Humanist Association (AHA) has successfully resolved its lawsuit against the City of Ocala, Florida. The suit, Rojas, et al. v. City of Ocala successfully challenged the use of taxpayer resources to hold a public Christian prayer vigil organized by the city’s mayor, police chief, and police department in 2014. On June 26, 2024, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida ruled for the second time that the vigil violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. On May 20, 2025 the City Council of Ocala agreed to settle the claim, cementing the important judgement.

“We are encouraged that the City of Ocala has chosen to accept the lower court’s decision,” said Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association. “For us, this case was always about principle – it is never appropriate for the state to use taxpayer dollars to promote one set of religious beliefs over another. As humanists, we remain committed to the important work of defending and advocating for the separation of church and state, and we are vindicated by this outcome.”

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The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.