**Outrage as Judge Upholds Charges Against Rape Victim’s Father**
In a controversial ruling that has ignited a fiery debate over First Amendment rights, a Loudoun County judge refused to dismiss disorderly conduct charges against Scott Smith, a father who confronted a school superintendent over the handling of his daughter’s rape case. This decision has left many questioning the state of free speech in America as Smith continues to fight for justice on behalf of his daughter.
Scott Smith’s daughter was sexually assaulted by a “gender fluid” boy in the girl’s bathroom, an incident which the superintendent allegedly kept hidden. Smith attended a Loudoun County school board meeting to discuss the district’s transgender rights policy, only weeks after his daughter was attacked by a student who had previously sexually abused another student at a different school.
Scott Smith was arrested for obstruction of justice and disorderly behavior in June 2021. Judge Howe Brown ruled there was enough evidence to prosecute him for disorderly conduct after he used a profane word against a leftist activist who had reportedly taunted him about his daughter’s sexual assault. Smith was denied a jury trial since the charge was a misdemeanor, but successfully dropped the obstruction charges last year with the help of Republican state Sen. Bill Stanley.
Despite these efforts, Prosecutor Eric Olson pushed to uphold the disorderly behavior charges, leading to the recent controversial ruling by Judge Brown, who has set a trial date for September 25.
Defense attorney William Stanley argued in court that his client did not incite the crowd, but instead reacted to an aggressive woman who threatened to ruin his business. Judge James Brown agreed with that argument, believing the facts were “sufficient enough to let it go to the finder of the fact.”
Smith told WUSA9 that he will continue to fight and win the case for himself and his family, even if it means enduring more pain. He also criticized Governor Youngkin for his lack of support throughout the ordeal.
**Questionable Free Speech Rulings Leave Many Concerned**
This case illustrates the ongoing conflict between free speech and the perceived threat of inciting violence in today’s society. With Scott Smith’s fate now in the hands of a jury, many fear that justice may not be served and that the line between protecting free speech and maintaining order becomes increasingly blurred.
