Our clinic branch in Utah, ONAC of the Lotus Sanctuary, which provides holistic care to the community, has been enduring undue harassment from the State of Utah's Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). For several years now, DOPL has persistently summoned the clinic to demonstrate its medical license and qualifications to practice medicine in what they refer to as a "court." Despite the fact that our branch operates under the sovereign rights of the Native American Church and is protected by legal precedents, DOPL continues its intrusive actions.
The branch leaders, in collaboration with their attorneys, have filed multiple injunctions to prevent DOPL from further harassing their operations. These injunctions have been based on well-established legal grounds affirming that DOPL is acting outside its jurisdiction. Our church, like other religious organizations, is protected under the First Amendment, which ensures the free exercise of religion and recognizes the sovereignty of religious practices.
The actions of DOPL not only infringe upon our religious freedoms but also impose significant financial burdens. To date, the clinic has expended all of their resources in legal fees exceeding $45,500. The division has levied fines exceeding $7500 against the clinic. These fines are baseless and serve as an attempt to intimidate and disrupt our efforts to provide much-needed holistic care to our community.
It is imperative to highlight the legal protections that churches, including our branch, are entitled to. Religious organizations have long been recognized as sovereign entities with the right to self-governance, particularly in matters related to their religious practices and internal affairs. This sovereignty is a fundamental principle that DOPL seems to disregard.
As with any legal situation, whatever the outcome is, it will set an important precedent which affects every naturopathic field of healthcare. We must work hard to ensure that all states and licensing agencies respect the sovereign standing of churches.
We call upon you, as a member of Oklevueha, to assist us in raising funds to assist ONAC of the Lotus Sanctuary. The continued harassment by DOPL must cease, and the fines imposed should be rescinded. However, this will not happen unless we can continue to pay attorneys. Please take a moment to contribute to the ONAC Legal Fund. We thank you so much for your assistance.
The legal defense required to protect Dr. Phillips and our community’s rights is substantial. Our legal team, led by Don Hart, has been working tirelessly to safeguard our practices and ensure justice prevails. However, the financial burden of these legal battles is immense, and she and others must not stand alone.
We call upon all members to contribute to ONAC’s legal fund. Your support is crucial in ensuring that we can continue our sacred practices without fear of persecution. Here are some reasons why your contribution is vital:
1. Defending Our Rights: The wolves aim to undermine our community by using legal tactics such as racketeering charges to intimidate and suppress us. By contributing to the legal fund, you are standing up for our rights and ensuring that justice is served.
2. Supporting Our Community: Individuals like Dr. Phillips have dedicated their lives and resources to supporting our community. Some, for instance, have invested millions into our initiatives, providing financial and logistical support. It is time for all of us to share this responsibility and support those who have supported us.
3. Preserving Our Heritage: Our spiritual and cultural practices are under threat. By contributing to the legal fund, you are helping to preserve our heritage for future generations. This is not just about one legal battle; it is about securing the future of our community.
4. Upholding Our Values: The essence of our community lies in mutual support and respect. Historically, indigenous cultures thrived on the principles of sharing and collective responsibility. By contributing, you are upholding these values and ensuring that our community remains strong and united.
We understand that these are challenging times for everyone, but the strength of our community lies in our unity and collective action. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Together, we can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our international community. Let us stand together and show that the spirit of ONAC is unbreakable.
Please contribute what you can to this effort. If you can sign up for a monthly contribution, that would be even better. Many are making a larger contribution now and then making a monthly commitment to give us more stability. Please do what you can. To make a monthly contribution, please click the Contribution button. Thank you for your generosity and foresight. It will bless all of us.