ST. LOUIS (CN) - A religious group will be allowed to pass out leaflets at a gay pride event in St. Louis. U.S. District Henry Autrey issued an order allowing Apple of His Eye to leaflet at the St. Louis PrideFest on June 27-28.
The group's attorney, Rick Nelson, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that they were handing out information on the gospel that did not mention homosexuality at PrideFest in 2006 when a park ranger threatened to arrest them. Some viewed their actions as disruptive and believed that the group violated a ban on leafleting in public parks.Apple of His Eye, a Jewish organization whose members believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah, sued in 2008, claiming the city couldn't ban leafleting in public parks. Autrey's ruling means the city must inform police and PrideFest organizers that leafleting is allowed and that simply handing out religious fliers is not grounds for restricting the group's actions.
Follow @@joeharris_stlSubscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.