In a recent incident at a public Pride event in Reading, Pennsylvania, a man named Damon Atkins was arrested by the local police after attempting to read a Bible verse. The video capturing the encounter has sparked a debate about the boundaries of free speech. While Atkins claims he was merely expressing his religious beliefs, the police assert that his arrest was due to disruptive behavior rather than the content of his message.
According to the video footage, Atkins was seen reading 1 Corinthians 14:33, a Bible verse that discusses order and peace within the context of religious gatherings. As he voiced his religious views, an officer said, “Let them have their day. Respect it,”. Atkins, responded, “You know who’s cheering for us? The people that are in hell,” Atkins responded.
Following this exchange, the police intervened and positioned themselves between Atkins and the crowd at the event. When Atkins persisted in reading the Bible verse, an officer arrested him. The police, however, have refuted claims that the arrest was related to the Bible reading itself. According to a spokesperson, Atkins was arrested for his disruptive noise levels, which were deemed to be heckling and inciting public inconvenience.
This incident has ignited a heated debate regarding the appropriate boundaries of free speech and expression at public events. Critics argue that Atkins’ arrest infringes upon his constitutional rights to freedom of religion and speech. They believe that his intent was merely to express his religious beliefs.
On the other hand, proponents of the police’s actions contend that Atkins was disrupting a preplanned and permitted event. They emphasize that the issue at hand was not the content of the Bible verse but rather the excessive noise levels and potential disturbance caused by Atkins’ actions.
A Christian man in Pennsylvania has been arrested for reading the Bible.
Damon Atkins was reading a verse from 1 Corinthians 14:33 – during a Pride event in Reading, Pennsylvania but was arrested before he could finish the verse. pic.twitter.com/Pu7kwLe1k7
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 6, 2023
