Search
June 15, 2025
Facebook Instagram X-twitter Youtube
Logo, The Texas Insider
  • Home
  • Regions
    • Central Region
    • East Region
    • Gulf Coast Region
    • National
    • North Region
    • Panhandle Region
    • Rio Grande Region
    • West Region
    • World
  • Business
  • Insider Reports
  • Health & Fitness
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Texas Family Values
  • Politics
    • Texas Border Crisis
    • Texas Primaries
  • Events
  • Opinion
  • Shows
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
  • Games
  • Home
  • Regions
    • Central Region
    • East Region
    • Gulf Coast Region
    • National
    • North Region
    • Panhandle Region
    • Rio Grande Region
    • West Region
    • World
  • Business
  • Insider Reports
  • Health & Fitness
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Texas Family Values
  • Politics
    • Texas Border Crisis
    • Texas Primaries
  • Events
  • Opinion
  • Shows
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
  • Games

Acquittal Marks Constitutional Victory for Christian Preacher at Fort Worth Stockyards

Duante Newton’s defenders called the verdict a “significant Constitutional victory.”

Tabitha S. by Tabitha S.
July 29, 2024
in Lifestyle, Opinion, Texas Family Values
0
Acquittal Marks Constitutional Victory for Christian Preacher at Fort Worth Stockyards

Image courtesy of Duante Newton Instagram

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Texas Scorecard reports on a significant case that echoes the recent discourse surrounding freedom of belief and expression, especially in light of recent events at the Olympics’ opening ceremony. This case highlights the shifting tides against unfounded attacks on Christianity and religious freedom.

Texas courts have upheld constitutional rights, demonstrating that belief and expression are protected even in traditionally conservative regions. The recent verdict in Fort Worth underscores this commitment.

Jury Acquits Christian Preacher Duante Newton

Duante Newton, a Christian man who was cited for violating a city noise ordinance while preaching at the Fort Worth Stockyards, has been acquitted. His defenders hailed the verdict as a “significant Constitutional victory.”

After being found not guilty following a jury trial in a Fort Worth municipal court, Newton expressed his gratitude. “I just want to give all praise to Jesus,” he told reporters. “The reason why I’m here is bigger than me; it’s bigger than all of us.” Newton explained his mission to share the message of Jesus and encourage people to turn away from sin.

Last September, Fort Worth police cited Newton for disturbing the peace and causing unnecessary noise while he was preaching on a sidewalk at the Stockyards. Newton, then 19, was completing his final day of a weeklong evangelical training with Christ for All Nations. He maintained that his microphone adhered to city ordinance guidelines limiting sound to 70 decibels.

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Duante Newton (@savbyhim) • Instagram photos and videos

Defense and Community Support

Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF), a national nonprofit that supports liberty, represented Newton in court. Melinda Preston, executive director of CDF-Denton County, emphasized the importance of the location. “A public sidewalk is considered a traditional public forum with the highest level of First Amendment protections,” she explained. “Mr. Newton was expressing his free speech and religious liberty.”

The situation escalated when an employee and “marketing director” of the Fort Worth Stockyards claimed ownership of the sidewalk and asserted that the Christian group’s activities belonged in a church. Following a call to the police, Newton was issued a citation for unnecessary noise.

Preston condemned the employee’s actions, stating, “If the Stockyards believe Christians only belong in a church, my money does not belong in the Fort Worth Stockyards.”

A Victory for Individual Liberties

Rosalie Marie Escobedo, CDF’s Executive Director, praised the jury’s decision. “This favorable outcome represents a noteworthy triumph for individual liberties in North Texas,” she said. “This case serves as a testament to the enduring importance of Constitutional rights and the power of community support in upholding these fundamental freedoms.”

Newton’s acquittal underscores the ongoing relevance and necessity of protecting freedom of speech and religious expression, reinforcing that these rights remain cornerstones of American democracy.

Tags: #falungong2024 olympics opening ceremonyHuman rightsreligious freedom
Tabitha S.

Tabitha S.

As a native Texan, I am passionate about covering the news that impacts our lives in Texas. Community and family is what is important at the Texas Insider, we strive to deliver comprehensive stories by examining history and presenting the full picture.

Related Posts

Bush Family Home Launches 2025 Summer Camp: A Hands-On History Experience for Kids
Events

Bush Family Home Launches 2025 Summer Camp: A Hands-On History Experience for Kids

June 15, 2025
Attorney General Ken Paxton Fights to Protect Texans’ Genetic Data in 23andMe Bankruptcy Case
Insider Reports

Attorney General Ken Paxton Fights to Protect Texans’ Genetic Data in 23andMe Bankruptcy Case

June 15, 2025
Free Smoke Alarm Programs Expand Across Texas Cities
Insider Reports

Free Smoke Alarm Programs Expand Across Texas Cities

June 15, 2025

Latest

  • Bush Family Home Launches 2025 Summer Camp: A Hands-On History Experience for Kids June 15, 2025
  • Paxton Secures Supreme Court Win, Keeping Convicted Child Predator Behind Bars June 15, 2025
  • Attorney General Ken Paxton Fights to Protect Texans’ Genetic Data in 23andMe Bankruptcy Case June 15, 2025
  • Free Smoke Alarm Programs Expand Across Texas Cities June 15, 2025
  • Dallas City Council Approves Lease with UNT-Dallas for New Police Training Academy June 14, 2025

Trending Now

  • Texas Dad Advocates for Legal Changes to the Family Court System

    Texas Dad Advocates for Legal Changes to the Family Court System

    246 shares
    Share 98 Tweet 62
  • E4 Texas RoundUP: Exclusive Interview: Rob Scott, IT Attorney & Chief Innovator at Monjur

    231 shares
    Share 92 Tweet 58
  • “Memo to Texas Moms: Be the ‘Flashlight’ that protects your children in our world”

    153 shares
    Share 61 Tweet 38
  • Texas Warrior Moms: Perla Muñoz Hopkins

    153 shares
    Share 61 Tweet 38
  • E41. Texas RoundUP: Interview With Jim Camp Jr., Owner And Coach At Camp Negotiations

    131 shares
    Share 52 Tweet 33
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact

© 2024 All rights Reserved. The Texas Insider.
The Texas Insider is a part of Epoch Media Group.

Facebook Instagram X-twitter Youtube
  • Insider Reports
  • Texas Border Crisis
  • Shows
  • Health & Fitness
  • Space & Metaphysics
  • Events
  • Texas Family Values
  • Insider Reports
  • Texas Border Crisis
  • Shows
  • Health & Fitness
  • Space & Metaphysics
  • Events
  • Texas Family Values