By Heather Clark - Posted at Christian News Network:
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Michigan man who preaches outside of abortion facilities and other locations on a regular basis has filed a federal lawsuit as he says that he has been threatened numerous times with arrest by police.
Stephen Nylen of New City Fellowship is challenging Grand Rapids’ noise ordinance, which prohibits “any noise of any kind,” but does not provide an objective standard. He also says that if anyone complains about his speech, he could be charged with breach of the peace if he declines to stop preaching.
While some have expressed appreciation for Nylen’s preaching, who turned to Christ while serving in Iraq, others have responded negatively. Nylen is therefore concerned that in addition to breach of the peace, he could also be cited for causing a disturbance if anyone unhappy with the message responds by shouting or honking their car horn.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Michigan man who preaches outside of abortion facilities and other locations on a regular basis has filed a federal lawsuit as he says that he has been threatened numerous times with arrest by police.
Stephen Nylen of New City Fellowship is challenging Grand Rapids’ noise ordinance, which prohibits “any noise of any kind,” but does not provide an objective standard. He also says that if anyone complains about his speech, he could be charged with breach of the peace if he declines to stop preaching.
While some have expressed appreciation for Nylen’s preaching, who turned to Christ while serving in Iraq, others have responded negatively. Nylen is therefore concerned that in addition to breach of the peace, he could also be cited for causing a disturbance if anyone unhappy with the message responds by shouting or honking their car horn.
“Due to the subjective, vague nature of the city’s ordinances, Mr. Nylen has not been able to obtain a clear indication of the line between permitted and not permitted conduct,’’ van Stempvoort contended.Read more here.
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