Religious Right Takes Over City Hall
By Mike Rhodes
August 30, 2004

Thousands of members of the religious right took over Fresno City Hall yesterday afternoon. Using their own security, which was backed up by the Fresno Police Department, organizers of the event threatened to arrest anyone that they did not approve. One man with a sign that said "Religious Zealots are Not Christians" was prevented from even stepping on the sidewalk in front of City Hall. Does anyone know where the ACLU can be found?

The mayor of Fresno and Cornerstone Church rented City Hall to hold a "celebration of traditional marriage." The event drew an estimated 2,000 people and 250 protestors. The protestors were kept on the other side of P street. Dividing the religious right at City Hall and the protestors were police on foot, motorcycle, horse, and patrol car.

The protestors were vocal but non-violent. There was a broad cross section of the community at the protest rally representing a mix of LGBTI, peace and social justice groups. There were no arrests or civil disobedience at the event.

The position the police took at this event is in stark contrast to the response to a Peace Fresno anti war rally held at Courthouse Park a few months ago. At that event a counter demonstrator from the Free Republic was at the event arguing with participants. When he was asked to leave by one of the event organizers, he refused. Peace Fresno called the sheriff’s department to have the disruptive person removed from the rally, which they (Peace Fresno) had a permit for. When the police arrived, they arrested Ken Hudson who is the secretary of Peace Fresno. The Free Republic member did not leave and was later seen laughing, shaking hands, and having a friendly talk with the sheriffs. That story can be seen at: http://sfbay.indymedia.org/news/2004/03/1674284.php

There was also an inclusive renewal of vows event held in Fresno yesterday. This event was for everyone and held at Wesley Methodist Church. Pictures from that event are here: http://pages.sbcglobal.net/cpfr/RenewalVows.htm

Background information about the protest at City Hall can be found here:

http://sfbay.indymedia.org/news/2004/08/1692677.php

http://sfbay.indymedia.org/news/2004/08/1692236.php