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Friday, April 19, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Guilty Plea for Anti-Gay SCOTUS Outburst

(CN) - A Texas man pleaded guilty to an illegal demonstration charge for yelling anti-gay remarks in the nation's high court while justices considered their landmark same-sex marriage decision, the Justice Department said Monday.

Rives Grogan, 50, caused a disturbance at the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28 of this year by entering the courtroom during same-sex marriage arguments and "yelling statements in a very loud, forceful voice," according to the government. Grogan allegedly said, "the Bible teaches if you support gay marriage, you could burn in hell for eternity."

The Mansfield, Texas resident continued to shout as police officers removed him from the courtroom and took him to a holding area, a government press release says. All nine Supreme Court justices were present at the time of Grogan's outburst.

He pleaded guilty Friday to picketing or parading in violation of federal law. The announcement came from the Washington, D.C. U.S Attorney's Office.

Grogan faces up to 12 months in prison and possible fines. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 10.

In June, the Supreme Court struck down state laws banning gay marriage.

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