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.
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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.
