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Philadelphia 11 Story
The first publicized use of Act 143 was in the Philadelphia area and involved the destruction of property of a homosexual man. Again -- there are already laws on the books to deal with destruction of property, etc.
BUT on October 10, 2004 eleven Christians from Philadelphia-based Repent America were attending an 8-block - block party called Outfest. It is an event held on Philadelphia's public streets and public sidewalks in conjunction with 'National Coming Out Day" -- a day which gives those who believe they are homosexual an opportunity to 'come out' or announce publicly to their friends, family and the community that they now 'know' that they are homosexual. The City of Philadelphia contributed approximately $20,000 to the event organizers. The eleven Christians went equip with their Bibles, signs and a bullhorn to speak the truth about the sin of homosexuality.
According to legislators who supported passage of the hate crimes law in 2002 -- this wasn't supposed to interfere with the First Amendment rights of Christians! The AFA of PA demands an explanation from these legislators! Remember the quotes on the floor of the House?
An independent film company from San Francisco, Enough Said Productions, was in Philadelphia to do a documentary on Repent America. The entire event was caught on tape -- all 30 minutes until the Christians were arrested. Click here to view the video. As you view the video, note the Pink Angels -- this was a 'security force' specifically organized to block the Christians. In an interview prior to the Outfest event, Chuck Volz, senior adviser to Philly Pride Presents, told the Philadelphia Gay News that the Pink Angels would carry large signs alongside the Christians to surround them and block their access to Outfest participants. As you view the video, you decide who are the obstructionists, who are the belligerent ones? Also, of special note - none of the Pink Angels were either cited or charged!
Charges against the Christians include criminal conspiracy, possession of an instrument of crime (the bullhorn!!), reckless endangerment of another person, ethnic intimidation (using the state hate crimes law to obtain this charge), riot, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways (keep in mind this was on the public streets of Philadelphia and the streets were blocked off from traffic). As of January 2005 five of the Christians (four adult males and one 17-year-old female) still face 47 years in prison and up to $90,000 in fines each. Charges against the other Christians were dropped, possibly because their activities did not show up on the video.
December 2004 -- as the trial of lesbian United Methodist pastor Beth Stroud takes place just a few miles from Philadelphia there are cries of 'spiritual violence' from homosexual activists. But after attending the last day of Stroud's trial, there is no doubt that the real spiritual violence is not taking place in Pottstown, but in Philadelphia!
During preliminary hearings City of Philadelphia prosecutor calls the Bible 'fighting words."
There is a great need to repeal the hate crimes law!
February 3, 2005 -- Representative Tom Yewcic (D-Cambria) introduced H.B. 204 to repeal Act 143 which added " "actual or perceived ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity." This law was used to charge the Philadelphia Five with 'ethnic intimidation.' Click here to read H.B. 204. (NOTE: The language between the brackets is what would be removed from the law if this bill passes.)
The bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee. Please contact the Committee members. Ask them to hold public hearings and move the bill forward. Click here for a list of the House Judiciary Committee members.
February 17, 2005 -- After 18 weeks all charges against the four adult members of Repent America are dropped. The remaining charges against the juvenile are expected to be dropped also. BUT in dismissing the charges, the judge compares the Philadelphia Eleven to Nazis!
This development does not lessen the need for the passage of H.B. 204. The First Amendment rights of Christians will be chilled as long as the hate crimes law stands. Who wants to face the possibility of arrest and jail time simply because they voice their opposition to the homosexual lifestyle?
In December 2005 -- since the arrest of these eleven Christians is the first time a hate crimes law has been used to charge Christians with a hate crime for singing choruses and reading Scripture, the AFA of PA nominates the Philadelphia Eleven for an historical marker -- the nomination is rejected!
Members of the Philadelphia 11 File a Federal Lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia and the organizers of Outfest stating that their arrest was an unconstitutional infringement on their rights.
January 19, 2007 -- Federal Judge Lawrence Stengel Dismisses the Lawsuit. Members of the Philadelphia 11 file an appeal to the Third Circuit.
July 23, 2008 -- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania upholds Commonwealth Court decision declaring Act 143 (the addition of 'sexual orientation and gender identity' to the existing hate crimes law) unconstitutional. News Release
January 7, 2009 -- Even before being sworn into office State Senator Jim Ferlo says the Senate's top legislative concern should be passage of a new hate crimes law. News Release
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