“Joyful Fire”
Martin M. Kennedy
joyful-fyre2@comcast.net

Special News

Street preacher Gathright wins in federal court to overturn illegal evictions in Portland parks at various free events

The City of Portland and it's parks bureau have been hostile against preachers for nearly a decade in concocting ways to shut them down. This time the City of Portland tried to limit free speech and free association by setting up fences around free events. Though the event may be sponsored by a private group, security was provided by the city via the police department and the Portland Patrol. If a group, or even an individual, claimed they didn't like what was being preached, that person would be kicked out of the park. That is what was going on with this and several other street preachers who'd show up at AIDS walks, Rose Festival, Gay Pride events, and even at a 9/11 comemoration.

The original precedent setting case was Rohman v. Pioneer Courthouse Square Inc. and the City of Portland. The policy in which that case was tried became so famous James Dobson spoke about it. Even the somewhat liberal "Oregonian" was against the policy. In an editorial cartoon it showed Thomas Jefferson inside the free speech zone writing the First Amendment with City Counselmen standing guard! A ten foot limit was placed upon free speech at Pioneer Couthouse Square that included the sidewalks surronding it. Speech was limited to a ten by ten foot acustically dead spot from where one may attempt to preach. When the square's waterfall ran, no one could hear you. Ever since losing that first case, the City of Portland and it's parks have tried to get around it ever since. Each time they do, they lose in federal court.

I have been hassled a few times by private security guards (Economic Improvement District security, or what is now called the Portland Patrol, which is deputized). In one case two security guards said I couldn't stand with my banner and pass out tracts at Waterfront Park during Rose Festival. A Coast Guard friend of mine showed up and gave those guards a little lesson in Constitutional law. He also reminded them about the blood of his comrades who died to protect it. They eventually backed off. Another time I was threatened with arrest by two EID guards for violating Pioneer Square's anti speech policy. I hadn't said a word all day long! After they warned Ron to stop, they went back into their little dungeon inside the bowels of Pioneer Square. When they came out they got confused somehow and went after me. Once they realized they got the wrong person, they evicted Mr. Rohman for about the fourth or fifth time.

Praise Jesus for the Western Center for Law and Justice, the Alliance Defense Fund, and the Rutherford Instiute. Thanks too to all the lawyers, volunteers with cameras and note pads, and prayer warriors who dug in and faught for the Gospel. Special thanks is due too for the Honorable Judge Ancer Haggerty who decided in favor on both Ron's case and this most recent one. Hallelujah!

Shalom,
Marty