Judge Rejects Request to Dismiss Church Suit
A federal judge refused Monday to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles by leaders of a church that includes sex in its rituals and that the city alleges is a front for prostitution.
In denying the city’s request to throw out the suit, U.S. District Court Judge William Byrne said the case brought by Will Tracy and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Canyon Country raises “numerous triable issues.”
The two were convicted by a Los Angeles Municipal Court jury Sept. 8 of operating a house of ill fame, and Mary Ellen Tracy was also convicted of two prostitution charges.
In their suit against the city, the Tracys contend that city authorities have denied them freedom of religion and expression.
The Tracys claim to practice an ancient Egyptian religion called the Church of the Most High Goddess in which male devotees have their sins absolved through sex with the high priestess.
But authorities say the church is a front for prostitution because the followers must make cash donations to participate in the rituals.
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