A recent incident involving Mari Ramos, a blind Texas-based woman who was expelled from a church service for bringing her service animal, has highlighted a gap in the protections afforded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the current law, state and local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations are obligated to accommodate service animals, but churches are notably exempt. This situation has potential to cause undue stress and discriminatory experiences for individuals reliant on their service animals. A report from KBTX, who did not disclose the church's identity, brought attention to Mari's ordeal assuring that it's not isolated. We believe, in the interests of fairness and equality, that it is essential to extend ADA compliance to churches and eliminate this discrepancy in the law. It is about deepening our commitment to inclusion and accessibility for all. We appeal to lawmakers, requesting that they modify the ADA to ensure that exemptions do not apply to any institution, including churches. This is a call for better rights and protections for our disabled friends and neighbors. Make your voice heard: Sign this petition today. https://www.kbtx.com/2024/06/06/handler-shares-concerns-sadness-after-guide-dog-denied-entry-brazos-county-church/