Christian Leader to Plead 'Not Guilty' at Arraignment After Being Arrested for Praying on a Public Sidewalk Outside of a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Washington, D.C.
Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741
WASHINGTON, June 28 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was arrested for praying and reading the Bible on a public sidewalk outside of a Washington, D.C. Planned Parenthood clinic.
Rev. Mahoney is being charged with "unlawful entry."
Photo: Rev. Mahoney moments before his arrest.
The arraignment will be on Tuesday, June 29, at 10:00 A.M. in room 115 of the D.C. Superior Court located at 500 Indiana Ave. NW.
Rev. Mahoney is being represented by the American Center for Law and Justice and Brian Chavez Ochoa based in California.
For years pro-life activists were allowed to pray, counsel and conduct peaceful pro-life witness on the public sidewalk leading up to Planned Parenthood (
see photo).
On June 8, Rev. Mahoney was arrested for praying on the public sidewalk marking the first time in the history of Washington, D.C. that prayer and free speech activities have been prohibited and banned on the public sidewalk.
In other words, in our nation's capitol abortion takes priority over the First Amendment.
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments,
"On June 8, I was arrested for praying on a public sidewalk in Washington, D.C. This marks the first time in the history of our nation's capital that prayer and First Amendment activities have been prohibited and banned on the public sidewalk.
"Sadly, the City of Washington, D.C. has chosen to protect the abortion industry and Planned Parenthood rather than the First Amendment. These actions should send shock waves to all Americans who cherish free speech and civil liberties.
"We must now ask the question, 'Is this the future of America under President Obama?'
"As I plead not guilty to these outrageous and baseless charges, I am affirming the power of the First Amendment and free speech and joining a long proud tradition of Americans who refused to keep silent and go silently into the night and surrender their God given rights and liberties."
For more information and interviews call: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
