Changes

*In 2004, eleven Christians, who have been dubbed the "[[Philly 11]]", were arrested at a [[Philadelphia]] event promoting homosexual-rights and some of the charges were felonies.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=40929</ref><ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50409</ref> Among those who were arrested were Arlene Elshinnawy, a 75-year-old grandmother of three, and Linda Beckman, a 70-year-old grandmother of 10 who were arrested for sharing their faith on the public sidewalk.<ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56702</ref>  In 2005, after national publicity led to widespread criticism of the arrests (especially the heavy penalties being threatened) a judge dismissed all criminal charges.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50409</ref> In 2006, a United States federal judge ruled the group of homosexuals could not dismiss a lawsuit against the homosexual activist group Philly Pride Presents which was brought against them by the Christian protestors.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50409</ref>

*In 2004, eleven Christians, who have been dubbed the "[[Philly 11]]", were arrested at a [[Philadelphia]] event promoting homosexual-rights and some of the charges were felonies.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=40929</ref><ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50409</ref> Among those who were arrested were Arlene Elshinnawy, a 75-year-old grandmother of three, and Linda Beckman, a 70-year-old grandmother of 10 who were arrested for sharing their faith on the public sidewalk.<ref>http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56702</ref>  In 2005, after national publicity led to widespread criticism of the arrests (especially the heavy penalties being threatened) a judge dismissed all criminal charges.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50409</ref> In 2006, a United States federal judge ruled the group of homosexuals could not dismiss a lawsuit against the homosexual activist group Philly Pride Presents which was brought against them by the Christian protestors.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50409</ref>

 

*In October of 2001, a 69 year old street preacher named [[Harry Hammond]] from Bournemouth, [[England]] was subjected to assault by an angry crowd of 40 people while he proclaimed his Christian views in the town center which included a call to repentance in respect to homosexuality.<ref>http://www.christian.org.uk/rel_liberties/cases/harry_hammond.htm</ref> Mr. Hammond was arrested, prosecuted and fined but no arrests were made in respect to those who assaulted him.<ref>http://www.christian.org.uk/rel_liberties/cases/harry_hammond.htm</ref> Appeals to overturn the verdict, which included an appeal to the [[European Court of Human Rights]], were dismissed. <ref>http://www.christian.org.uk/rel_liberties/cases/harry_hammond.htm</ref>

*In October of 2001, a 69 year old street preacher named [[Harry Hammond]] from Bournemouth, [[England]] was subjected to assault by an angry crowd of 40 people while he proclaimed his Christian views in the town center which included a call to repentance in respect to homosexuality.<ref>http://www.christian.org.uk/rel_liberties/cases/harry_hammond.htm</ref> Mr. Hammond was arrested, prosecuted and fined but no arrests were made in respect to those who assaulted him.<ref>http://www.christian.org.uk/rel_liberties/cases/harry_hammond.htm</ref> Appeals to overturn the verdict, which included an appeal to the [[European Court of Human Rights]], were dismissed. <ref>http://www.christian.org.uk/rel_liberties/cases/harry_hammond.htm</ref>