JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press Published:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A national conservative group will have to keep its weekly protests of one of Ohio’s largest churches to a site across the street, pending a judge’s decision on a dispute between the two Christian organizations.
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Charles Schneider said Tuesday his restraining order affecting the Minutemen United protests will remain in place for now. The group will have to remain across the street from Vineyard Columbus, not directly in front of the church, in holding its demonstrations. The judge said he would hear more arguments on right of way issues in the dispute later this summer.
Members of Minutemen United, based in Columbus, say they’re targeting the Vineyard because it’s been too passive when it comes to fighting “the culture war” against abortion, homosexuality and same-sex marriage — including helping women recover from abortions and accepting gay members. The group’s displays include signs — one labeling the 8,500-member evangelical church “pagan” — and graphic images of aborted fetuses. READ MORE….