A group of Christian protesters claims a "militant homosexual mob" threatened them with physical violence at Philadelphia's Gay Pride parade, a city-funded event that included simulated sex acts on some of the floats.
Repent America, a local organization that saw four of its members acquitted of criminal charges after a similar confrontation last fall, says one float at the parade Sunday featured women, partially dressed in tight leather, bending over with their buttocks exposed and being spanked with hands, whips, and other objects.
"It is absolutely astounding that this type of illegal behavior is being permitted by city officials and despicable that the police refused to arrest those engaged in the lewd behavior, even after we pointed out the obvious to them," said Repent America's director, Michael Marcavage.
As WorldNetDaily reported, on Oct. 10, Marcavage was among a group of 11 Christians "preaching God's Word" to a crowd of people attending the Philadelphia "OutFest" event and displaying banners with biblical messages. After a confrontation with a group called the Pink Angels, the Christians were arrested and spent a night in jail. Eight charges were filed: criminal conspiracy, possession of instruments of crime, reckless endangerment of another person, ethnic intimidation, riot, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways.
TRENDING: Greatest Show on Earth: The Hur report hearing
Marcavage says he plans to provide video footage of Sunday's "illegal behavior" to Philadelphia Mayor John Street and the City Council, demanding "that they answer for their funding of these types of events, and for the police's refusal to enforce the law."
Philly Pride Presents, the group that organized the parade, has received $20,000 annually since 2001 from the city's Department of Commerce through Street's economic stimulus program, according to Marcavage.
Repent America says that during the event Sunday, members of its group were "surrounded, obstructed and continuously harrased by a militant mob of homosexuals as they attempted to minister from the Word of God. "
Some of the homosexuals wore handkerchiefs at times to conceal their identity, Marcavage claimed.
A group calling itself Philadelphia Anti-Racist Action issued a news release prior to the parade, urging supporters to join them in thwarting Repent America's planned demonstration.
The release said a "local right-wing fundamentalist group," citing its First Amendment rights, has been given access by police at a number of homosexual festivities.
"This time, we say enough is enough! Fascist fundamentalists should not be allowed access to our events unopposed!" the statement said.
The group told supporters to look for the "Queers Bash Back" and "No Human Liberation Without Queer Liberation" banners.
Marcavage told WND that on Sunday he was not aware of the identity of the "mob" but believes now it was Philadelphia Anti-Racist Action.
Related stories:
Judge drops all charges
against Philly Christians
Judge rules against Christians who preached to homosexuals
Christian group gets obscene, hateful messages
Hate-crimes law infringes on 1st Amendment?
Benefit concert planned for 'Philadelphia 5'
Motion filed for Philadelphia protesters
'Philadelphia 5' arrests like 'Christian Rodney King'
Homosexuals planned Christian harassment
17-year-old girl part of 'Philadelphia 5'
U.S. attorneys complicit in arrest of Christians?
Philadelphia accused of 'abuse of power'
Prosecutor: Bible is 'fighting words'
City will prosecute Christian protesters
'Philadelphia 11' fighting back
11 Christians arrested at homosexual event