(10/18/2005)

Activist Sues U.S. Marshals

Had been holding a sign of 10 Commandments on public sidewalk

The US Marshals Service arrested Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, in October of 2003 for holding a sign of the Ten Commandments on a public sidewalk in front of a Washington, D.C. church during the annual "Red Mass" before the opening session of the Supreme Court.

Federal law enforcement agents told Rev. Mahoney he could stand on the public sidewalk across from the church, but if he held a sign of the Ten Commandments he would be arrested.

Rev. Mahoney was threatened with arrest last year and intends to be at the "Red Mass" on October 2nd, this year.

The lawsuit is seeking a preliminary injunction from the United States District Court against the US Marshals Service and monetary damages.

The suit was filed on Friday, September 9th, 2005.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, " Every American should have the right to exercise their First Amendment freedoms in the public square without the fear of government harassment or intimidation. The cornerstone of our democracy is the promise that our free speech rights, guaranteed by the Constitution, will be honored and protected. Sadly in my case, the very government that has a sacred trust to preserve those rights trampled them. We are seeking injunctive relief in federal court to ensure that every citizen will be able to publicly express their views with the assurance their Constitutional rights will be secured."