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Posted on 01/06/2005 11:55:20 PM PST by paudio
"Hate Crime" charges against four Christian men, facing a total of 47 years in prison, were dropped after the judge viewed the tape of the incident.
Four Christian men were charged with “hate crime” felony when in fact they were peacefully protesting a homosexual street event on October 10, 2004 in Philadelphia. Concerned Women for America (CWA) urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to intervene. The four adult defendants, who face a total of 47 years in prison if convicted of the three felonies and five misdemeanors, pled not guilty.
“The District Attorney’s office went berserk, saddling them with criminal charges including trying to incite a riot, even though the protesters were peaceful,” said Robert Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute. “Their crime was to cite Bible verses, which a prosecutor called ‘hateful,’ and to urge homosexuals, like other sinners, to repent. It’s frightening to see religious persecution on American soil, especially in the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence. The Justice Department needs to step in and investigate this civil rights violation by the city of Philadelphia.”
It all began when 11 Christians from Repent America began preaching and singing at Outfest, a homosexual street event. The Christians, led by Repent America founder Michael Marcavage, were surrounded by the Pink Angels, a group of homosexuals who held up Styrofoam signs, blocking the group. Police arrested only the Christians.
After viewing a videotape of the incident at the December 14 hearing, Municipal Court Judge William Austin Meehan dropped charges against six other defendants, including a 72-year-old grandmother. A juvenile defendant awaits separate court action.
“The felony charges in particular are outrageous. We’re talking about expressing an opinion in a public area,” Knight said.
Yet, unless those in the DA's office who did go bezerk here are relieved of their position it doesn't mean much except personally to those who were railraoded but now are off the hook.
I know if they need money or me to do pro-bono work I would be willing.
Thank goodness someone had taped the incident!
Thank God - and thank God that this is still America!
I saw this on O'Reilly the other night. I cannot help but think the exposure of this travesty on TV led , in part, to the judge's decision. In general, I believe that the airing of such fascist tactics is responsible for many of the victories we traditionalist are now experiencing.
Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here.
And if those DOJ attorneys are radical homosexuals who were attending that 'outfest,' as was reported yesterday, then imo, they need to be charged with whatever is appropriate to their crime and fired from the DOJ.
A 'hate crime' was committed against the Christians, imo.
To name him is to 'out' him.
They got what they wanted, anyway. They got the Christians off the street so they could promote perversion.
By their fruits shall ye know them...
Until the LEFTIST start banning the taping of their antics.
LOL! While I agree with the general sentiment..There would have to be a turkey baster or something in the family tree somewhere...
I agree. Conspiracy to deprive someone of their civil Rights has a nice felonious ring to it.
Amen!!!
We could arrange that. heh heh
Right now is the time for all decent foks in Philly to go on the offensive against the purveyors of perversion. They've got a potential weapon now and they need to use it unmercifully.
This is a good opportunity to have a federal civil rights lawsuit filed for any number of causes.
Let's face it, that's exactly what these people were on their way to becomming. Nothing empowers Christians more with a sense of righteousness than to persecute them for following the teachings of Christ. Nothing like throwing a person in jail for following a man who taught of salvation and profound love. Giving them martyrs is like throwing gasoline on a fire.
Can Philly FReepers be 'pinged' into action?
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