Caught on Camera: Jackson, MS Police Stand By as Protester Dismantles and Steals Pro-Life Display

By Christian Newswire —— Bio and Archives July 18, 2014

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, -- On Thursday July 17, 2014, Created Equal visited Jackson, MS, site of the state's last remaining abortion facility as part of Day 4 of our Summer Justice Ride. Upon arrival, and despite several attempts by Created Equal's Mark Harrington to convince police to intervene, our property was stolen while police stood idly by.

"The City of Jackson is required to guarantee everyone the right to free speech, not assist our opposition in interfering in the exercise of our speech. Police allowed interference of our constitutionally protected first amendment activity. This kind of outrageous interference of free speech will not be allowed to stand." -- Mark Harrington, Executive Director, Created Equal. We have filed charges against Mike Peters, the perpetrator, who is the owner of Fondren Corner which is located at 2906 N. State St, Jackson, MS -- across the street from the abortion center. Unfortunately, Jackson has a reputation that precedes itself. The Jackson Police Department has a long history of harassment against and targeting of pro-life advocates. In 2006, Pro-Life Mississippi and some of it's members sued several police officers for their pattern of violating the rights of pro-life speakers. In, 2008, the City signed a consent decree, agreeing that they would no longer interfere with the free speech rights of these advocates, and also agreeing to mandatory annual training for police officers in respect for the First Amendment rights of all speakers. However, as soon as the Court's jurisdiction over the decree expired, Jackson police resumed their pattern of singling out pro-life speakers for harassment and false arrests. Pro-life advocates in Jackson are preparing to sue the City for its violation of their civil rights.