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Oyster Bay, NY - Court: Banning Jews For Jesus Propaganda In Public Is Unconstitutional |
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Jews for Jesus missionaries did not even make it into John J. Burns Park in July of last year before being confronted by city officials who told them they could not distribute tracts. Officials also informed them they would be arrested if anyone was offended by their evangelism.
Rick Nelson, president of the American Liberties Institute, represented the ministry after one of their missionaries was arrested for speaking and distributing literature in the park without permission. He contends Jews for Jesus trains their people to not cause any disturbance or offend people while witnessing. "So when the representative from the town of Oyster Bay determined that they were going to expel the missionaries, simply because they just didn't want them there, then that was obviously a constitutional violation, which required our action," Nelson explains.
Though the town initially argued that it had a right to prohibit evangelism in the public park, the court dismissed the charges against the missionary as unconstitutional. That, says Nelson, is when Oyster Bay officials realized they were going to lose the lawsuit and settled with Jews for Jesus.
"I think it sends a very strong message to local governments to recognize that we still have a First Amendment in the United States of America that allows people to express their views on a wide variety of topics," says the attorney. "And the government doesn't have to take on the role of trying to expel people from public places simply because, under their view, they want to protect sensitivities of the public...," he remarks.
The court's ruling in the criminal charge against the Jews for Jesus missionary also prohibits the town from interfering with future evangelism in its parks.
Nelson believes the ordeal was an "educational process for the town of Oyster Bay."
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Read Comments (10) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 09, 2008 at 12:37 PM Concerned Member Says:
They are correct that this group of charlatans does have protection under freedom of speech.
However, every person should keep in mind that when these people follow you around in the street simply because you are wearing a yarmulke and they chase after you to convert you to follow their religion even after you have said "leave me alone" then it becomes HARASSMENT.
The first ammendment may protect their ability to have a presence on the street handing out leaflets but it does not protect their ability to harass Jewish people like they tend to do during the summer in midtown Manhattan.
If one of these people approaches you tell them you're not interested. If they continue, tell them you're calling the cops for harassment.
2
Jul 09, 2008 at 01:30 PM Has A point Says:
GOLUS OH! GOLUS HOW LONG YOU ARE!!!!
3
Jul 09, 2008 at 01:38 PM izzy Says:
I wish Israel would do the same they need to throw out these low lives from the country.
4
Jul 09, 2008 at 02:13 PM Extreme View Says:
This sorry group of misguided charlatans ought to try passing their trype in Bagdad or Kabul.
5
Jul 09, 2008 at 02:28 PM Ben Eliezer Says:
Wy don't they just cite them for littering as the majority of their tracts will wind up on the beach. The tree huggers should applaud that!
6
Jul 09, 2008 at 03:27 PM Concerned Member Says:
Just remember, as many of you may be approached by them if you look outwardly Jewish... the same way the Constitution affords them the right to express themselves, you have the right to politely tell them to go away. If they don't listen, call the cops.
Also, don't bother to engage them in conversation. A lot of people think it's great to argue with them, but you're not going to prove them wrong. They're specifically trained not to listen to anything you have to say.
Just say "sorry, not interested" and keep walking. If they don't buzz off, they're harassing you. Period.
7
Jul 09, 2008 at 03:57 PM Babishka Says:
If they are targeting people that "look Jewish" that is "racial/ethnic intimidation." Call the police and/or the ADL!
8
Jul 09, 2008 at 11:37 PM Brooklyn Bridge Owner Says:
But their whole message is a fraud!
One cannot be a Jew and worship a goyish deity or idol
There are laws against trying to "con" someone, and their right should end at the start of their deception.
Does my new group "Brooklyn Bridge Owners United" have any rights?
9
Jul 10, 2008 at 12:33 AM Drill Here!! Drill Now!! Save Money!! Says:
folks, this is the USA and those "rights" are there no matter how WRONG the religous organization is.
10
Jul 10, 2008 at 12:35 PM Chossid Says:
I find it interesting that in GOLUS these jokers face more resistance than they do bpoel mamosh in the so called "jewish state."