A blind woman was kicked out of a Texas church for bringing a service dog with her (Livestream) 

"Jesus healed the blind, Christians kicked them out." If that's not a beautiful comparison.

If churches, as private entities, don't have to abide by the ADA, they shouldn't be receiving tax breaks, either!

Revoke church tax exemption

This is like telling her she can come in but has to leave her wheelchair outside.

Proves even dogs are better than the religious

Mighty Christian of 'em. 🤮

Don't forget that religious leaders pushed for ADA exemptions for churches

And American Christians are wondering why church attendance is dropping.

Tax free statuses need to be revoked from churches. They need to be held accountable just like any other organization or business!

That church should have been named. There is absolutely no excuse to prohibit this woman for trying to worship there. Those service dogs are highly trained and can handle noises, etc. What an embarrassment to Christianity.

There are many people who did not break the law and were shamed by the media. This church should not be exempt from that.

Here's an alternate take. "Disabled woman advised by con artists not to participate in their con."

Doggo wouldn't stop barking because he smelled all the BULLSHIT.

When a blind man with a service dog showed up at my UU church, there was immediately 5 people asking him if there was any accommodation he needed.

I have a sad story I think about often: I had a friend, a single man, who went to a local church on Christmas Eve. He got there early and sat near the front in a pew by himself. Gradually more and more people came. The usher kept moving him as 'families want to sit together' and he was taking up space in the pew. They moved him several times and finally had him sit way in the back on a folding chair. He felt so sad he just left. He often told me about this over the years. He committed suicide a few years ago. I e-mailed the church about all of this but (not surprisingly) received no reply. Churches are such awful places. Just awful.

They weren't breaking any law? That's too bad. And the reporter certainly should have named the church - because whether or not they broke the law, they deserve to be publicly shamed.

Well, her first mistake was bringing an Animal that has been known to be able to sense evil to a Church.

Christian can justify any hateful act.

My church refused admittance to a homeless person. JESUS LOVE ? ?

As a service dog handler (and trainer) who used to be a full time missionary before leaving the church altogether, I can tell you this happens way more often than people think. The vast majority of cases never hit the news. In fact, it happens so often that it's generally recommended service dog handlers check with any new church they intend to visit beforehand to ensure both they and their service dog will be welcomed. Unfortunately, not all service dog handlers are even aware that they *can* be excluded from churches, much less that they should probably check in advance before showing up. I'm not putting the blame on Ramos here, this is just more of a PSA in general. Always check first, because a surprising number of churches say no. That said, you are right about a service dog's training. Every single service dog should be able to handle loud music and flashing lights without an issue. Service dogs are exposed to a huge variety of environments during training, and that exposure increases on a nearly daily basis even after they're considered fully trained. The reality is, you cannot expose a service dog in training to every single possible environment/challenge they may face while accompanying a human partner. It's impossible to predict, much less replicate, every possibility. Instead, we train these dogs to be what's often referred to as "bomb proof." This means we expose them to such a huge variety of environments that they take anything new in stride. These dogs learn to simply trust their handlers. If a service dog feels a bit uncertain in a situation, you'll see them glance up at their handler for guidance and then trust whatever cues they receive. On the flip side, handlers also learn to listen to and trust their service dogs, who can often pick up on medical related issues before the handler themself begins to notice. It's a beautiful partnership, but one that generally requires over 100 hours of public access training alone (that's on top of the time required for learning tasks, which is actually the easy part). The church in question showed just how clueless they were not just by suggesting that sound/lights would bother a fully trained service dog, but also by suggesting they weren't denying Ramos, just her dog. I've loved, lived with, and trained dogs most of my life. I never had anything like the bond I've experienced with my service dog. While off duty, my service dog is her own entity, doing her own thing, playing and relaxing as she desires. While working, however, my dog and I become one unit. We work and act together, in constant communication, showing constant trust both ways. Many - but not all - service dog handlers literally cannot safely go out without their canine partner. To say "I'm not denying you entry, just your dog" is a bunch of crap. If my service dog cannot go somewhere, it's impossible for me to go as well. We come as a unit. Churches need to get this through their heads.

Tax all churches.

The preacher could have at least healed her blindness since the dog was refused entry

There is no hate like Christian love.

Churches need to pay taxes if they are not PUBLIC PLACES.

I attended a concert at a small venue with some friends and friends of friends several years ago, and one of the new acquaintances had a Service dog with them. They took the dog outside at intermission to take care of business, and I'd forgotten the dog was there. It laid down under the table while each band played. Service Animals are highly trained to be calm and quiet in so many different situations. I agree that Ms. Ramos should have been able to make the call on whether her dog could calmly handle the music and flashing lights; I'll bet the dog would have had better manners than many of the people encountered that day.

Ffs. Phoenix Symphony used to have a cellist with a service dog. It sat quietly on the stage through complete concerts with no issues.

We have a blind person in our Square Dance club, and their service dog comes all the time, no issues. Like you say, she should have decided if her dog could handle it.

If a church doesn't comply with the Federal ADA, they should have their Federal tax exempt status revoked.

The tax exempt church is refusing to make ada accommodations and is still getting Public Tax writeoffs? I don't get it!

When I was a child, I remember there was a deaf and blind man in my church. That man came to church and someone (maybe his wife) signed into his hand so he could "hear" mass. The signer is no different than that woman's service dog. Also, it had a positive effect on me, seeing someone needing assistance as a normal thing that just happens. From an early age, I learned some people need extra help in life, and that's ok, part of life. The denying church lost out by not letting the woman and her dog in. PS I agree, the church should be named and shamed.

I've got kicked out of Sunday school when i was younger for asking to many questions. And the lady who decided do that said i have to just shut up and accept it.

"Blessed are the meek... somewhere other than here."

I'm more angry at the reporter for refusing to name the church in question. Might as well have not reported it at all. People need to know which church shuns the disabled this way so that any christian who actually cares about Jesus's teachings can stay away from it.

Jesus would be so proud 🥲

Christian love

Service animal? No. Emotional support firearmsl? Yes

One word “ Texas” it explains it all

How embarrassing for me as Christian and regular church goer. They really should have named the church so the church could be embarrassed.

I grew up near a huge Leader dogs for the blind facility and training center. (Rochester Hills Mi.) I knew people that raised dogs for the program. These dogs are the best of the best. Dogs get washed out of the program for things that we common folk wouldn't even consider being problematic. I remember driving through RH as a teen and seeing these dogs being trained or being coupled with their human. It is an amazing process. I'm sure it has improved immensely in the past 40 years.

As a blind person, can absolutely confirm that the ADA does not cover churches or religious places of worship at all. It’s disgusting from a national standards point of view in from the religions point of view.

I lost my mom when I was 18, and for a few months in 1972, I lost my mind and went to a hell & damnation country Baptist church in Florida. Two things prompted me to leave. A young white couple attended with their infant son who was black. She had been raped. They had decided to keep the baby. After a few weeks, they were asked to leave. No race mixing allowed. The second thing that happened was that another woman came to the pastor needing help, and he refused to even talk to her--because she was wearing slacks.

I feel like they should not be tax exempt unless they comply with ADA, and I agree with you that a trained service dog would not be bothered by loud noises or flashing lights.

WWJD? I do not attend church, but if I did, and the church did this, they would never see me in that building again. I would also oppose ant public goods and services being given to them as well as tax breaks.

Surprised that no other local church invited them to come to theirs. But remember, this is Texas were talking about.

Kristi Noem must be a member of the church.

Allowing churches to be completely exempt from the ADA is ridiculous.

A lot of right-wing churches only like "beautiful" people who have the Reich stuff.

Who tf cares if the church didn’t break the law, we need to know who they are.

They should not be able too kick people out since they don’t pay taxes.

I used to attend an Episcopal church that had an occasional visitor who in addition to being gender nonconforming, brought their chihuahua with them. Both were welcome, and this was more than 20 years ago. I could understand them telling her that she had to sit in a certain area because of a parishioner with severe allergies, but kicking the dog out? Nope, nope, nope. Maybe it's not illegal, but it's unethical for sure.

And the lord said, "F the disabled." probably

I can understand the per allergies but as far as a service dog being a distraction is BS My significant other has a service dog it's the most calm quite well behaved pet I have even seen

I’ve never seen a church that wasn’t pure evil.

Texas.... all you need to know.

7:55 Service dogs are assessed for suitability prior to training. During training they are constantly assessed. This continues through training and even after going to a home to ensure everything is a good fit and the owner and dog are communicating well.

Weird that they didn't try healing her with prayer.

I had a diabetic service dog. She has passed now. She saved my life several times. Due to low blood sugar. I can’t afford another. She never did her business in any inappropriate place ever.

Legal does not mean right or moral. That Church has proven that conclusively.

How awful! The church my father’s service was held welcomed my service dog with open arms.

There are some churches who would have no problems with this. I hope she finds a kind church.

No hate like "Christian Love". Wait a minute...Didn't Jesus Heal the blind? Guess Jesus didn't have a copy of the Church rules.

Christian love, ain’t it grand?

Such ignorance is profound.

I ran into this problem with a Buddhist establishment. I called the department of justice to ask them about the laws concerning disabilities and churches. Churches do not have to follow these laws because of separation of church and state. It’s not just Christians, and I had become a nun. So disappointing. They shouldn’t have tax exempt status because all churches, temples, monasteries are about the same thing and it’s not compassion. It’s the bottom line.

bigotry is not breaking the law... but it needs to be loudly called out every time.

How "Christian" of them. Seriously, remove their tax exemption.

Another reason to dislike churches.

I predict that this woman will get tons of invitations from other churches in the area, welcoming her and Betty to come.

Just don't go to Church 😂

Kicked her out because she didn't bring enuff cold, hard cash. Effin Texass again.

This reminds me of when I was visiting my dad. I was kicked out of the chapel for not wearing a skirt or dress. I was in my military uniform.

Don’t forget, there’s no hate quite like Christian love.

I can't believe that they didn't want a chance to cure the blind and therefore prove the existence for God. She should have said which church it is because it's just relating a story of events that happened. No slander or defamation, just facts. She could have been a bigger person and publicly forgiven them for their un-Christlike behavior.

Probably one of those churches where you must donate a couple thousand before they allow you to sit in a pew.

This is atrocious...if I were blind I could not manage without my service dog .😢

Here in the UK(2008) the governing muslem body issued a fatwa to a guide/service dog so the owner could enter his mosque and pray with the congregation. Its a strange world we live in.

No hate like christian love...

2:52 Anyone see the clip of that dog at the Metallica concert? So look, I work in the dog behavior field. The only danger to that service dog in that environment would be hearing damage from excessive noise and prolonged exposure to excessive noise. A dog doesn’t have to be a service dog to tolerate an environment like that, either. A well trained, well socialized dog exposed to loud noises, activity, dancing, lights, etc… would likely tolerate that environment. In addition, a service dog is not the only one trained in that relationship, the “owner” is as well. Dogs give very clear signs of stress that a savvy dog owner can read. If the service dog became uncomfortable it would indicate that to the owner and the owner would remove the dog. It is a valid concern, yes, and all dogs are not going to be suited to that environment but taking their reasoning and claims as “true”, denying a blind woman with a legitimate service animal shows, at the very least, a very poor understanding of what a service animal is and does.

I got kicked out of a lot of small groups by the church I was going to until I stopped going to small groups. (They always had one or another reason but it boiled down to I was neurodivergent and going through emotional pain and it made people uncomfortable when we were praying.)

"We don't reject you. We just don't want to be mildly inconvenienced by your necessary accommodations"

WHY is a church exempt from the ADA!?

I have never heard of a service dog having an issue with music and flashing lights?? Like I could see a warning to her if they are unaware, but they should be warning EVERYONE of that because an epileptic could be in bigger trouble.

That’s crazy! She needs her certified service dog for her blindness! Hypocritical people.

Well, can't say the church wasn't acting her best interest. We need more church's like that, ones that do right by people and keep them from joining

I have experienced both unequivocal welcome and also an off putting amount of resistance, to bringing my SD to church service. Yes, my dog is trained to do his job regardless of loud noises or lights or whatever. I bring him to theaters with no problem. If he’s going to be exposed to potentially damaging amounts of noise, I have ear muffs to protect him. Churches are within their rights to turn away service animals, but it’s an awful look. It’s literally the same as telling someone they can’t bring their cane or wheelchair inside. For places that must accept service animals, that also have a legit issue specific to the dog’s presence, they have to accommodate the service dog team by providing a separate waiting area, or entrance, or serve the team individually. Phobia of dogs is not a valid excuse, although it’s fine to explain and provide some compromise. Just be aware that the team doesn’t have to accommodate psychological issues. 😂 Most of us are cool with that, though. And our dogs are trained to “disappear” in line or in waiting rooms unless their trained tasks require otherwise.

Thank God I'm a Catholic and my religion respect people who is blind.

Why am I not surprised. She probably looked like she didn't have a lot of cash to donate, I mean "tithe."

If the band is too loud and the lights flash too much for a dog, then it is definitely too loud and flashy for children, and probably most of the adults. 🙄🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

G'day all. OK just WTF. These dogs are not just trained well. They are selected out of litters of many many dogs that don't make the grade. I used to think that it was the guide dog tell the owner when to cross a road, But that's not how it works. The dog is trained to be selectively disobedient, So if the owner signals he is about to walk the dog wil stay in place letting them know its not safe yet. I think they can handle a few lights and loud noise.

If an entity is exempt from discrimination laws it is not public, and since it's not public it should NOT be receiving NO tax funding ❌

It is ridiculous when people who never work with service dog, they don't realise those dog are used to loud noises and bright lights. When I was at a Train station I saw a Service Dog and it behave great, especial when the train was coming.

When a dog is more Christ-like than the Christians

This is as bad as Joely boy refusing refuge to storm victims. What a bunch of nasty haters. I hope you took your dog and yourself out for ice cream after that vicious insult to the both of you. I'm sorry that happened. Hopefully, you can find a place of worship where EVERYONE is welcome with open arms.

The News could have named church and then informed listeners that it was legal.

They let service dogs in my organization. Members have brought their dogs in with no one questioning it.Even a minister who was blind beought his dog on the stage! It was inspiring. She needs a new religious group more accepting of her and the dog.

They chose to turn someone away in order to keep up their stage performance. As someone brought up in a charismatic megachurch, I understand they need these gimmicks to evoke an emotional response from the audience. They’d describe it as “the Holy Spirit moving” though

Church might be covered by the ADA if it wasn't specifically exempt, it is not just "public" in terms publicly owned and operated, there is a section that covers private owned locations. The question is more whether it counts under "if the operations of such entities affect commerce". Given the holding of Wickard, I could manage to argue it is covered. they added this though to provide an exemption: "The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to private clubs or establishments exempted from coverage under title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000-a(e)) [42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.] or to religious organizations or entities controlled by religious organizations, including places of worship."

I had a service dog for years and was occasionally challenged. I carried a copy of the law with me, let them read it, and if they didn't agree with the law I pulled out my cell phone and threatened to call the police. It worked every time.

How dare she Not just start seeing!? She must not have loved jesus as much as the Righteous people of that church do...

Glad she spoke with the media, but they should have named the church. Attend a cult service and expect to get cult treatment.