A Veterans Affairs chaplain at the Coatesville VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania, Rusty Trubey, faced scrutiny and potential disciplinary action following a sermon delivered in June 2024. Trubey's lawyers, First Liberty Institute and the Independence Law Center, contend that the VA's response infringed upon his First Amendment rights and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. They've sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins urging him to address what they characterize as a restrictive speech code within the VA and to safeguard chaplains' ability to preach according to their beliefs.

Rusty Trubey. (Rusty Trubey)

The sermon, based on Romans 1:23-32, addressed the implications of a culture that excludes God. Trubey provided context before the sermon, acknowledging that the content might be challenging for some listeners. The sermon included discussion of homosexual behavior as described in the biblical text, which led some attendees to leave the service. Afterward, a VA police officer approached Trubey regarding complaints about the sermon's content.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, testifies before a Senate Veterans Affairs committee confirmation hearing on January 21, 2025.

Following the incident, Trubey was temporarily removed from his chaplain duties, investigated, and threatened with a permanent reprimand. He was assigned to menial tasks before eventually returning to his chaplain role. Although the proposed reprimand was rescinded, Trubey's supervisor implemented a sermon review process that Trubey and his lawyers deem unconstitutional. They argue that proposed changes to the Chaplain Standard Operating Procedure and Performance Plan would effectively restrict chaplains from preaching on potentially controversial topics, including those with cultural or political implications.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington, D.C.  (ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images)

Trubey's legal representatives cite Supreme Court precedent to support their argument against viewpoint-based censorship. They express confidence that Secretary Collins will uphold religious freedom and free speech within the VA. They hope for an amicable resolution but are prepared to pursue legal action if necessary. The Coatesville VA Medical Center acknowledged receipt of the letter and stated that they are reviewing the situation, emphasizing their commitment to freedom of speech and First Amendment protections.