‘Gay Pride’ event protesters face prison time

PHILADELPHIA (EP) — Four Christian activists were arraigned Jan. 12 in Philadelphia on charges related to their involvement in a protest of a pro-homosexual event in the city last October.

The four men were part of a larger group who were arrested on Oct. 10 while protesting at a homosexual “Outfest” street event. According to Family Research Council, video footage of the event shows the protesters being approached by homosexual activists calling themselves “pink angels,” who tried to physically stop the group from protesting. Police working the event became involved, and subsequently arrested the Christian protesters. None of the homosexual activists were arrested.

The police report stated that the protesters were arrested for “carrying extremely large signs,” for allegedly trying to disrupt the event, and for “preaching anti-gay/lesbian messages.”

The four men who were arraigned in January say their protest was peaceful. All four pled not guilty. The men face three felony charges: criminal conspiracy, inciting to riot and “ethnic intimidation.” If convicted, the four men could be sentenced up to a total of 47 years in prison.

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council called the case a “wake-up call for those of us who thought we would never see the day when publicly voicing opposition to the homosexual lifestyle would incur multiple felony charges with the threat of 47 years behind bars.”

Published by Keener Communications Group, February 2005

Christian Examiner™, P.O. Box 2606 El Cajon, CA 92021 • 619-668-5100 • Fax 619-668-1115
Email: info@christianexaminer.com • Web site: www.christianexaminer.com