**Christian Arrested for Exercising First Amendment Rights at Pride Event**
Damon Atkins, a Christian man, was arrested while exercising his First Amendment right to express his religious beliefs at a Pride event in Reading, Pennsylvania. This raises serious questions about the state of freedom of speech and religious expression in America today.
Atkins attended Reading’s first-ever Pride March and Rally to share his interpretation of scripture. Standing on a public sidewalk, he held a sign reading, “Jesus said go and sin no more.” Police Sergeant Bradley T. McClure approached Atkins, warning him against reciting the Bible verse and emphasizing respect for the LGBTQ+ community’s pride rally. Atkins asserted his right to free speech and continued to read his verse from 1 Corinthians 14:33. Before completing the verse, McClure arrested Atkins for “Disorderly Conduct Engage in Fighting.”
Matthew Wear, a witness who recorded the scene, stated that he had been preaching before Atkins arrived and was similarly warned by McClure. Wear and his family noticed the Pride rally while driving through Reading and stopped to support two Christian protesters already present.
In a concerning turn of events, religious beliefs are now viewed as derogatory by law enforcement. The First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of speech, which includes the expression of religious beliefs. Authorities prioritizing Pride events over constitutional rights present a challenge for religious individuals in contemporary society.
**A Call to Defend First Amendment Rights and Religious Expression**
The arrest of Damon Atkins is an alarming indication that exercising First Amendment rights and expressing religious beliefs are increasingly under threat in America. It is crucial for citizens to stand up for these rights, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, in the face of growing opposition.
