A federal judge has issued an order permanently prohibiting the city of St. Louis from banning a Christian ministry from distributing literature at an annual gay- pride event.
In 2006, Apple of His Eye ministry was threatened with arrest by St. Louis officials for handing out tracts and talking about their Christian faith at PrideFest. With the help of the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), though, the ministry was able to get the ban lifted.
"Christian groups shouldn't be prohibited from expressing their beliefs at public locations," ADF-allied attorney Rick Nelson of the American Liberties Institute said.
"We are pleased with the court's decision to lift an unconstitutional ban on expression in these areas throughout the city, allowing members of Apple of His Eye to peacefully exercise their First Amendment right to free speech."
The ruling comes in time for Apple of His Eye members to share their faith at PrideFest later this month.
— Josh Montez
