Atlanta Journal-Contitution is reporting that Gwinnett County Police are backing down on threats of arrest
Gwinnett County Police spokesperson Illana Spellman has stated that the police will not be making additional arrests under the same law used in the arrest of Truth Truck driver Bob Roethlisberger, until further they receive further guidence from from prosecutors. (Read the AJC article here.)
The following is a press release issued by the Christian Defense Coalition. Operation Rescue President Troy Newman is available for comment at 316-841-1700.
Free Speech and First Amendment Crushed by Gwinnett County, Georgia Police Department
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /Christian Newswire/ — Christian Defense Coalition condemns the crushing of the First Amendment and free speech by the Gwinnett County, Georgia Police Department.
Last week the Gwinnett County Police arrested a pro- life activist for driving a an Operation Rescue truck with posters showing the graphic results of abortion.
After the arrest, the police ransacked the Operation Rescue truck and tore the posters off damaging the truck.
On Saturday, December 1, the Christian Defense Coalition is joining with Operation Rescue and other pro-life activists in “Free Speech Riders.”
The group plans to drive to the Gwinnett County Police Department, in a similar truck to the one that was detained, and hand deliver a letter to Police Chief Charles Walters demanding an apology, restitution for the damaged truck and a promise to honor and respect free speech and the First Amendment.
The Christian Defense Coalition will join with Operation Rescue at a news conference on Saturday, December 1, at 4:00 P.M. at the Gwinett County Police Department.
That location is 770 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Copies of the letter will be made available along with the graphic abortion posters on the side of the truck.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, “I am stunned that a law enforcement agency would have such utter contempt and disregard for free speech and the First Amendment. The unconstitutional actions of the Gwinett County Police Department amount to a tragic crushing of civil liberties and hearken back to a day of violence and discrimination by police officers. If law enforcement officers can arrest a man because of the content of his message and tear down pictures they do not agree with, then we are in grave danger as a nation and no form of political speech is safe. Every American should be able to express their views free from government interference and harassment.
“I am proud to join with Operation Rescue in this ‘Free Speech Riders.’ By doing so, we join hearts with Americans from a generation ago who traveled down similar highways speaking out against oppression and tyranny.”
For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735 Cell: 540.538.4747
