Religious Liberty Panel Parts Ways With Member After Discovering She Is Very Catholic
- Chadwick Dolgos
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The White House Religious Liberty Commission has removed Carrie Prejean Boller after the commission chair, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and President Donald Trump decided that her level of Catholic commitment proved incompatible with the panel's proceedings.
“We can tolerate some Catholicism here and there, but she’s too much,” one commissioner said in a statement explaining the decision to dismiss the former Miss California and longtime advocate for traditional Christian teaching.
“This commission was formed to defend religious liberty, not to experience it at full strength.”
Prejean Boller, who rose to national prominence after publicly defending traditional marriage during a nationally televised pageant, has remained active in Catholic and pro-life advocacy. Her appointment to the commission had been celebrated by many who viewed her as a high-profile voice for religious conviction in public life.
The commission, established to advise policymakers on protecting the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment, emphasized its continued commitment to pluralism and tolerance. Members clarified that the issue was not Catholicism itself but what one official described as “an immersive level of participation.”
“There is a difference between identifying as Catholic and fully embracing Catholic doctrine,” another member explained. “Our work requires a certain theological flexibility.”
Patrick announced the removal following a recent hearing on antisemitism, where Prejean Boller, a former Miss California and Catholic convert, questioned witnesses about whether Catholic teaching on Zionism constituted antisemitism.
"I'm a Catholic, and Catholics do not embrace Zionism. Just so you know," Prejean Boller stated during the session while pressing Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University. "So are all Catholics antisemites, according to you?"
Patrick explained that no member possesses the authority to redirect a hearing toward personal theological positions.
"No member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing with Catholicism," he declared in a public statement. "This is clearly, without question, what happened Monday in our hearing on antisemitism in America. This was my decision."
Commission officials indicated that while expressions of faith receive protection under the group's mandate, Prejean Boller's persistent focus on Catholic doctrine regarding modern Israel exceeded acceptable boundaries for participation.
The commission, tasked with advising on protections for religious conscience, now proceeds with its current membership intact.
Prejean Boller's exit removes any risk of further Catholic theological interruptions during discussions of religious liberty.
Do you know somebody who has been personally injured by satire and comedy? Show your support for the principles of free speech and stand with Freedom Writers by signing our petition today!