A legal battle has erupted in Sacramento, California, involving allegations of discrimination and unlawful treatment at a religious facility. Raymond Douglas filed a civil complaint on April 25, 2024, in the Superior Court of California against the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the City of Sacramento. The case centers around an incident that occurred on November 25, 2021, when Douglas claims he was wrongfully accused and subjected to police scrutiny while visiting the shrine.
The complaint details a series of events that unfolded when Douglas visited the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. According to Douglas, he was walking towards the rear parking lot when he encountered a reverend who allegedly gestured at him suspiciously. The situation escalated when Douglas entered a restroom and found himself confronted by the reverend speaking in Spanish about a missing key. Feeling bewildered and defensive, Douglas denied any knowledge of such a key. This interaction led to further complications as law enforcement became involved.
Douglas recounts being detained by Sacramento police officers who claimed he matched the description provided by the reverend. Despite no evidence being found against him during a search, Douglas was handcuffed and placed in a police vehicle. He describes feeling emotionally distressed throughout this ordeal. Ultimately, officers issued him a notice of trespass based on allegations from the shrine's staff that were later proven unfounded.
In his lawsuit, Douglas accuses both defendants of violating several California Civil Codes related to discrimination and interference with his rights. He argues that the National Shrine discriminated against him due to perceived disabilities and unfairly barred him from accessing religious facilities. Furthermore, he contends that Sacramento police acted without discretion or justification in issuing the trespass notice after their investigation cleared him.
Douglas seeks various forms of relief from the court including rescission of the trespass notice issued by the shrine; general damages for emotional distress; civil penalties; exemplary damages for alleged oppression; fraud claims against both defendants; fees; costs associated with litigation; prejudgment interest under applicable laws—all while demanding accountability through jury trial proceedings.
Representing himself "in pro per," Raymond Douglas is pursuing justice against what he perceives as wrongful actions taken by both religious institution personnel and local authorities alike. The Case ID is: 24CV024035.