TN City Shuts Down Christians, Denies Freedom of Speech

by Allie Martin and Jody Brown
May 24, 2004

(AgapePress) - A Tennessee city is being sued after police arrested two men who tried to display crosses outside a recent pro-homosexual event.

Michael Joseph Siemer and Brian O'Connell travel the world carrying ten-foot crosses in an effort to reach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. On May 8, they were in Dayton, Tennessee, where a "Gay Day" event was scheduled in a public park. But when the pair arrived at the park, exited their vehicle, and began constructing their crosses, they were approached by law officers who ordered them to leave.

When they refused to leave, Siemer and O'Connell were charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with a special event -- and arrested by the local chief of police. They were later released from jail on $500 bonds, Siemer stating it was the first time he had been arrested simply for "being a Christian."

The two men have decided to take the City of Dayton to court, and the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy (CLP) has agreed to represent the two cross-bearers. Steve Crampton, chief counsel for the CLP, says it is apparent Dayton has decided that homosexual activists are entitled to more rights than are peaceful Christians.

"The police had determined in advance that this was an enormous risk with a situation that could break out in violence at any minute," Crampton explains. "They had surrounded the park with police officers and simply weren't letting anybody in who looked like Christians and kept them out of the public way."

According to a press release from the law firm, more than just the local police were involved. Representatives from the sheriff's office, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the National Guard, and even Homeland Security were present in the area. "The law enforcement coverage for this tiny gathering of homosexuals was not only unnecessary," says Crampton, "it appeared to be a further effort to intimidate peaceful Christians from expressing any opposition to a sinful lifestyle."

The attorney says the case reflects what he calls "a very disturbing trend" in the law. He says like almost no other issue, the homosexual rights issue seems to bring out a "different standard," even in otherwise well-intended law enforcement personnel

In this case, he says, that different standard excluded individuals who were seeking to peaceably exercise their First Amendment rights "before they even got set up or spoke to the first passerby." Crampton calls the arrests "censorship of the worst kind," adding that his legal group is committed to vindicating Siemer's and O'Connell's constitutional rights, "whatever it takes."