The Philly Five

Culture | Prosecutors say Christian activists put forth felony | Lynn Vincent

National media stories are brewing on a Philadelphia legal case that pits city prosecutors against five members of Repent America (RA), a Christian activist group. Defense attorneys on Jan. 21 planned to file "not guilty" pleas on behalf of RA leader Michael Marcavage and three others who last fall were arrested and charged with eight offenses, including three felonies, after demonstrating at a gay pride event. The fifth defendant, Lauren Murch, 17, is being charged separately in the juvenile justice system.

Here's the background: On Oct. 10, 11 members of RA, which specializes in provocative demonstrations, rolled up to "OutFest," a gay pride event that sprawled across eight city blocks. Carrying signs that quoted Scripture, the group planned to sing and preach from the Bible using a bullhorn while moving through streets packed with celebrating homosexuals. A police captain patrolling the event told RA members they could walk wherever they wanted within the event, since it was being held on public property.