Youth Pastor Who Was Arrested For Sharing His Faith Vindicated
by Marshall Ramsey II, Worthy News U.S. Correspondent
SACRAMENTO, CA (Worthy News)– In what is seen as a victory not only for freedom of speech, but also for Christians and the ability to share their faith in an increasingly hostile climate here in America, a California Appeal Court issued a sharp rebuke to a local shopping mall for arresting a Christian youth pastor, Worthy News has learned.
Matthew Snatchko, the youth pastor in question, was arrested in 2007 for engaging casual conversation about faith in Jesus Christ with two other shoppers. Even though the shoppers had given permission to Mr. Snatchko to speak to them regarding the subject, a store employee who was nearby objected and called mall security, who then arrested Mr. Snatchko.
Under Roseville Galleria Mall rules, shoppers are not allowed to engage in conversations topics such as religion or politics, because the mall says they may be potentially controversial. The criminal charges were later dropped against Mr. Snatchko. However, Pacific Justice Institute attorneys thought it prudent to file suit to challenge the mall’s restrictions on free speech.
VICTORY FOR JESUS
The Sacramento 3rd District Court of Appeal struck down the mall’s rules as unconstitutionally vague and restrictive of free speech. The court indicated Mr. Snatchko would be able to collect damages and attorney’s fees, and awarded him costs on appeal.
“We are very pleased with this landmark ruling by the California Court of Appeal that vindicates the right to engage in casual conversations about faith without fear of being arrested,” said PJI President Brad Dacus. “This is a great victory for free speech and common sense.”