‘If someone is offended by your talking, then we have a problem’
The radical left’s war on Christianity and the First Amendment has officially reached a terrifying new flashpoint in the Lone Star State.
The encounter, which was first reported by investigative reporter Sarah Fields, has sparked renewed debate over the First Amendment and whether law enforcement can lawfully punish constitutionally protected speech simply because another person finds it offensive
According to a video from the June 27 Trinity Pride Fest in downtown Fort Worth, Christian street preachers David Grisham, a retired police officer, and Richard Penkoski were preaching on public property when they were approached by officers.
Police had set up barricades restricting access to public streets and sidewalks around the event. Officers moved the preachers farther away and issued warnings.
The female officer told the group, “If someone is offended by your talking, then we have a problem,” and added, “If they are offended by your speech, OK, I will write you a ticket.”
When challenged further, she added that the citation would be for disorderly conduct. The preachers repeatedly argued that offensive speech is protected by the First Amendment and cannot be criminalized merely because someone claims to be offended.