Ayahuasca Church Files Case with US Supreme Court for Religious Freedom

Nov. 13, 2024 / PRZen / TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Ayahuasca church, Arizona Yage Assembly, has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging government demands for its membership lists and seeking to protect the privacy of its congregants from unwarranted government intrusion. Filed November 8th and docketed to the US Supreme Court November 13th, the case is part of a broader civil-rights suit initiated by the church against the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in which Arizona Yage Assembly has advocated for legal acknowledgment in its use of ayahuasca in religious practice.

The church's appeal to the Supreme Court, asserts that the DEA's efforts to collect the church's membership information, without a clear and compelling reason, violates the constitutional right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment. Arizona Yage Assembly is seeking a ruling that will prevent the government from using its law enforcement power to intrude into religious practices and to compel disclosure of its congregation's identities.

Standing for Religious Freedom and Privacy
Mr. Stanley emphasized, "This case is not just about us; it's about the future of religious freedom in America. Our use of ayahuasca is a deeply held spiritual practice that helps individuals achieve healing, wholeness, and connection to the Divine. No government agency should be able to undermine our right to practice our faith freely and privately." Arizona Yage Assembly's legal challenge comes in the wake of increasing concerns over government overreach into religious and spiritual practices.

The case has drawn attention from civil-rights advocates, who have raised concerns that the government's actions may set a dangerous precedent for the future of religious freedom. "This case will define the extent to which the Federal government can intrude into your religious beliefs," said the church's attorney, Charles H. Carreon.

Supporting Veterans

In recognition of the 22 veterans who tragically take their lives each day, the Arizona Yage Assembly church hosted a set of ayahuasca ceremonies for combat veterans over the Veterans Day Weekend. The retreat, designed to offer healing and spiritual support through the transformative experience of ayahuasca, provided 22 veterans with a safe and sacred space to address trauma and find a path toward emotional and psychological recovery.

This retreat was part of Arizona Yage Assembly's ongoing effort in connection with the veteran lead AYAMission nonprofit (www.ayamission.org) to support military veterans dealing with the psychological scars of service, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. With the rise of veterans taking their own lives, the Arizona Yage Assembly believes in the profound potential of ayahuasca — a sacred plant medicine used for centuries by indigenous communities — to facilitate healing, introspection, and reconnection to one's spiritual self.

"Ayahuasca offers a deep and transformative experience, and we are proud to provide this service to our veterans who have sacrificed so much," said Scott Stanley, Director of Arizona Yage Assembly.

About Arizona Yage Assembly
As a church, Arizona Yage Assembly practices with the use of ayahuasca, a sacred plant medicine traditionally used in Amazonian shamanic ceremonies. The Church's mission is to create a safe, sacred, and transformative space where individuals can engage in healing practices that promote mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Arizona Yage Assembly is committed to ensuring the right to religious freedom and the protection of its members' privacy.

For More Information
To learn more about Arizona Yage Assembly and its mission, or to inquire about the Veterans' Day retreat, please visit www.ayaguide.org or phone the media relations team at tel: 520-222-9106

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Source: Arizona Yage Assembly