Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735, 540-538-4741

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The lawsuit, filed in the U. S. District Court, by pro-life activists seeking a temporary restraining order against the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department will be heard today, Jan. 16, at 2:30PM EST.
 
The location of the District Court is Constitution Ave. and 3rd Street NW in Washington, D.C.  The hearing will take place before Judge Ellen Huvelle in court room 14.
 
(Copies of the lawsuit can be viewed here.)
 
Activists are being represented by The American Center for Law and Justice.
 
The lawsuit was filed after the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department denied the request of activists to leave a "sidewalk chalk" display with pro-life messages and art in front of the White House on January 24, 2009.
 
This is in spite of the fact that the Christian Defense Coalition has received permission from Washington, D.C. law enforcement officials to conduct numerous demonstrations involving "sidewalk chalking" for over 16 years.
 
The City of Washington, D.C. has also sponsored numerous sidewalk chalk art displays.
 
(View the letter from our attorney to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.)
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, "For over 16 years, law enforcement officials have given permission to the Christian Defense Coalition to use public 'sidewalk chalking' as a part of their demonstrations and vigils in the nation's capitol.  The City of Washington, DC has also allowed numerous public 'chalk art displays' throughout the city.
 
"It is therefore most troubling that for the first time the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is banning this practice when it involves a pro-life display in front of the White House.
 
"Is this the future of free speech and political dissent under President Obama?
 
"The streets in front of the White House should be open to all views, opinions and thoughts.  It should not be a place of censorship and intimidation.  I hope this was not the kind of change President Obama was talking about.

"We hope and pray that Judge Huvelle will recognize the bias that the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department has shown by denying our request and that she will grant us the temporary restraining order we are seeking."
 
For more information or interviews call:
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735   Cell:   540.538.4741