Rev. Boyle v. Werner, et al.

February 25, 2008
Liberty & National Security

pillarsReverend Frederick Boyle, the "Peace Pastor," is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church. The Director of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) alleges that he traveled to Iraq in 2003 before the war began to protest the United States' imminent attack on the country. Boyle was and remains a strong critic of the war on moral, ethical and religious grounds. Later in 2003, OFAC contacted Boyle and threatened a fine and imprisonment for up to 12 years if he did not immediately respond to their charges and answer other questions. Boyle asserted his rights, and was then fined by OFAC.

Boyle believes he was unfairly targeted by the U.S. for his religious convictions and stance against the war. Both are violations of his First Amendment rights and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Arguments will take place on Wednesday, February 27 at 11am before Judge Donald Pogue at the U.S. Court of International Trade, One Federal Plaza. Co-counsel in the case include Larry Lustberg of Gibbons, PC, Art Eisenberg of the New York Civil Liberties Union, and Ed Barocas of the ACLU of New Jersey.

Rev. Boyle's attorney Jonathan Hafetz is available to comment about the case. Rev. Boyle can appear on camera, but because of the possibility of criminal prosecution, cannot discuss specifics about the case.

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