Christian Man Arrested For Criminal Trespassing At Franklin Pride Festival Has Case Dismissed
Image Credit: Joe Cocchini Cnr / Facebook & Tennessee Stands
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A Christian man who was arrested for “trespassing” at the Franklin Pride Festival earlier this year has had his case dismissed.
Joe Cocchini was arrested by Franklin police officers at the request of Pride organizers and charged with Criminal Trespassing despite the event being held in a public park.
Tennessee Stands, who pledged to cover the cost of Cocchini’s defense, announced yesterday that the case had been dismissed.
“The naysayers were wrong,” stated the organization in a Facebook post. “And the City of Franklin embarked on a fruitless venture to steal the religious liberty of fellow Tennesseans all on the taxpayer dime.”
The permit for this year’s Pride festival, held in Harlinsdale Park, was approved by only a narrow margin after much debate at the City of Franklin’s BOMA meetings. Franklin residents – in the hundreds – spoke out in opposition to local organizers holding the event on public property, property bankrolled by local taxpayers.
Pride organizers rejected suggestions to hold the event at a private location, insisting that the festival would not only be family-friendly, but open to all, “no matter who you are.”
Once underway, organizers changed their minds about their all-inclusive promise and took issue with Christians who openly express their faith, denying entrance to those carrying Bibles or spiritual tracts.
Cocchini, 37, attended the festival while wearing a t-shirt that said “Jesus changed my life. Ask me how.” He was allowed to enter and spent time chatting with vendors and making purchases, all the while being careful to abide by the event’s rules that were posted at the entrance. These rules included not disturbing the peace or creating any scenes.
While in conversation with a woman at a booth that represented a local Methodist church, Cocchini was pulled away by law enforcement and asked to leave. Upon asking officers why he had to leave, one of them volunteered that the festival coordinator had made the request, and because the organizers had rented out the park, it was now deemed private property.
Cocchini refused to leave after explaining to the officers that the space was indeed public and he had a right to be there. Law enforcement then chose to arrest him and walked him out.
In yesterday’s sworn testimony, law enforcement admitted that there had been no legal basis for Cocchini’s arrest. Franklin Police had arrested him solely because Pride organizers wanted him removed.
Taxpayers also footed the bill for law enforcement to be present at the event.
“Thankfully, the judge dismissed the case today citing that no crime had been committed,” said Tennessee Stands. “However, this is not the end of the story. Accountability for these egregious actions must be brought to the steps of City Hall. And you can count on it. It will.”
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
This man needs to file a federal lawsuit under the 14th Amendment, for deprivation of rights under color of law (42 USC § 1983) against the municipality of Franklin and its police department. This is a slam dunk and should prevent future similar arrests. When people start making noise by filing lawsuits that cost the city fines (usually settled out of court), this is when they start paying attention.
The mayor, Ken Moore, broke the aldermen’s stalemate 4 against 4 for allowing the Pride festival in the park. He voiced a significant reason was threatened lawsuits by LGBTQ factions/supporters. Matt Brown, alderman, fearful that threatened legal expenses would drain away funds available for paving streets and other public amenities voted yes. Out of the approximately 100 public comments including at least 4 ministers/pastors only about 30 Pride supporters spoke in favor and some of them were caustic and threatening in their comments if the permit was not approved. Looks like the City of Franklin will still be litigated due to the illegal police arrest.
The City of Franklin seems to need a refresher course on the US Constitution- hopefully a civil lawsuit will give them the instruction they clearly need.
I have video of them removing me that day and telling me my 1st amendment rights are good across the street but not there.
Good going JOE it is about time the corrupt public officials should abide by the rules and not be intimidated by groups just like the ones in Washington