HANOVER, Pennsylvania, July 31, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Demonstrators with the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP) were assaulted yesterday in Warwick, Rhode Island, as they peacefully held signs in support of traditional marriage.
“We were at a busy intersection, getting strong support for traditional marriage,” recounted Volunteer Rex Teodosio. “Three women approached us – one threw mayonnaise, while the other two grappled with our photographer.
“Then we were sprayed with mace. Finally, a burly woman got out of a car and punched our photographer in the face. They shouted obscenities the whole time.”
Teodosio said the group was able to get the license plate number of the second car, and file a police report. The first car's license plate had been covered with a shirt.
The group says that pro-homosexual individuals have thrown water bottles, pesticide, rotten eggs and soda at TFP volunteers. But, they say, this is the first time the Catholic group was pepper-sprayed and physically attacked.
TFP said that police at Warwick station responded promptly and have opened a case. Pictures and video footage of the assault are helping the investigation.
“So much for tolerance,” said TFP member Joseph Ferrara, who was struck by the attackers.
“Homosexual activists talk about tolerance, but everyone who saw the attack, saw their 'tolerance' in action. For me, these attacks reinforced my resolve to defend traditional family values.”