NH Christians arrested, asked: ‘Where is your God now?’

State law against ‘unreasonable or loud’ noise used to arrest Christians sharing gospel but not enforced against town-sponsored concerts
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

HAMPTON, N.H. — Alliance Defense Fund allied attorneys filed suit Wednesday in federal court on behalf of two Christians arrested for sharing their faith and singing worship songs on a public sidewalk in the Hampton Beach area. Police arrested the two men, charging them under a state law against “unreasonable or loud” noise, but the law has not been used against other much louder activities in the very busy beach district, including bands sponsored by the village precinct to increase business in the area.

Criminal charges against the two men were dismissed, clearing the way for a civil suit challenging the vague state law.

“Christians shouldn’t be arrested for expressing their beliefs. Arresting someone simply because he chooses to exercise his First Amendment rights in a public place is unconstitutional,” said ADF Senior Counsel Joseph Infranco. “These young men wanted to tell those who passed by about their faith. They were singled out and arrested for sharing their faith and worshipping God while much noisier activities have not undergone the same scrutiny. It is our hope that this suit will result in a more properly worded state statute.” the rest