News

By Terry Vanderheyden

PHILADELPHIA, December 14, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Homosexual activist Jason Robbins was arrested after he punched a police officer outside the home of a Repent America member last week.

Robbins spent a night in jail Wednesday for aggravated assault and resisting arrest after police arrived on the scene outside the home of Linda K. Beckman, a Repent America member who spoke out against homosexuality at the homosexual “Outfest” festival in October last year. Robbins sat in his car as six other protesters picketed Beckman’s home; he said the protest was to avenge Beckman for her part in opposing homosexuality at OutFest.

“We went to their neighborhood to say that two can play this game,” said Philadelphia Anti-Racist Action spokesman Josh Freedman, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Backman, 69, spent 10 days in jail in October last year after taking part in a Repent America demonstration to counter OutFest. See LifeSiteNews.com coverage: https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/dec/04121704.html.

Eleven evangelical Christians from Repent America were arrested at the Philadelphia OutFest – four men were bound over for trial on criminal charges. A seventeen year-old girl with the group faced a separate trial.

East Pikeland Police Chief James Franciscus told the Inquirer that the group was taunting Beckman to come outside and fight, using foul language. When Officer Richard L. Fagley Sr. arrived, Freedman claimed he used excessive force to get Robbins to exit his vehicle.Â

“They weren’t cooperative with police,” Franciscus stated. “They didn’t do what they were requested to do. He struck a police officer.” Fagley said in an affidavit that Robbins became violent and swore at him after he was told to come out of his car. “I opened the door, and he punched me, and as I guided him from the car he kept pushing me into the ice-covered street,” he said.

“Their behavior is what is illegal,” said Repent America director Michael Marcavage. “You can’t be chanting profanities and having signs with obscene messages. That’s not protected by the First Amendment.” Beckman was hosting a fellowship meeting when the disturbance occurred.

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
  Report Says Homosexual U.S. Attorneys Complicit in “Frightening” Charges Against Christian Protesters
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/jan/05010706.html
  Judge drops ‘Hate Crimes’ Charge against ‘Philly 5’ for Preaching at Gay Festival
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05021808.html
  Philadelphia Pride Parade Featured Simulated Sex Acts
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/jun/05061405.html