Local LGBTQ youth group leader responds to Project Veritas video

After a national group released a viral video March 19 that focused on Rev. Casey Martinez-Tinnin, the leader of an organization for LGBT youth, The Landing Spot, Casey Martinez-Tinnin spoke out. "The claims made by this far-right group are outlandish and would be laughable, except we are seeing unprecedented threats of violence and anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country," said Martinez-Tinnin on March 22. "These attacks are fueled by hate, and meant to dehumanize and discredit LGBTQ people." The Landing Spot is a non-religious support group for LGBTQIA+ youth and their parents in Placer County, according to its website. Martinez-Tinnin is also the pastor of Loomis Basin Congregational United Church of Christ, which the group operates under. Martinez-Tinnin said Project Veritas posed as parents who needed support. "Veritas activists proceeded to illegally record the conversation and then edit it to discredit the church, pastor, and The Landing Spot," Martinez-Tinnin said. "We will continue to support LGBTQ youth and their families through our programs and ministry and we will not be intimidated." According to California law on ca.gov, all parties to any confidential communication must give permission to be recorded (California Penal Code § 632(a)). The law, however, excludes any conversations occurring in public places, government proceedings open to the public or where the participants could reasonably expect to be overheard or recorded (Cal. Penal Code § 632(c)). "I've dealt with this situation before," said attorney Jack Duran of Duran Law Office LC in Roseville and a former Placer County supervisor. Duran is not affiliated with this case but he shared some general insight. "The question is whether or not they were at a public space. The penal code is only applicable when privacy is expected," Duran said. "A person may be protected at their home or office but a public restaurant can be a different story." The video showed clips of Martinez-Tinnin making statements such as, "it's not lying but it's not fully telling the truth," regarding his conversations with parents. He also said "When they (parents) know that their queer kid is coming to me for support, they're going to be upset" and "I call CPS (Child Protective Services)" when parents misgender their kids." Martinez-Tinnin said the video was "highly-edited and meant to take comments out of context." On March 20, the day after the video was released, Western Placer Unified School District and Roseville Joint Union High School District cut ties with The Landing Spot. The group's volunteers used to meet with students at some campus wellness centers within the districts. On March 21, Loomis Mayor Danny Cartwright also spoke out about the video. "The town shares concerns of the Loomis community regarding statements in the video made by the pastor," Cartwright said. "While this issue does not directly involve the town, as The Landing Spot was active on school campuses, the town will fully cooperate with any potential investigation should one occur." Parents in the community have different stances about the video. "It's hard to speak out about concerns without being called a bigot," said Jay Reed, a parent in Roseville Joint Union High School District. "There's no dispute that LGBT youth need a safe place but this isn't about that. A man of the cloth is telling kids to lie to their parents. Therapists and psychologists don't even do that. He's further dividing families instead of bringing them together." "It's easy to try and discredit the group who put it out but I'm still waiting for clarification on what he meant in the video," Reed said. "Of course, it was edited but there were complete thoughts and sentences and parents want an explanation." Amber Fernandez, another parent, said in a social media post that LGBTQ+ youth will be negatively affected. "The only losers in this situation are the LGBTQ+ students that have zero adult support in their lives, she said. "They are now at a higher risk for suicide because their support has been removed." Loomis Basin Congregational United Church closed In person-events, including worship service at Loomis Basin UCC church property, are postponed until further notice, due to safety reasons, according to a statement from the Loomis Basin Congregational United Church Council. "As an immediate response to an influx of hateful and threatening messages, we will temporarily suspend in-person Loomis Basin UCC events on church property until church leadership can establish a plan to maintain the safety and security of our congregants," the council said. "We believe this is the best way to protect our pastor and our congregants during this time of elevated attention for our local church."