Florida judge grants ADF motion for preliminary injunction, allowing Christian to resume activities until case is resolved

MIAMI — A federal judge in Florida cleared the way Wednesday for a member of Gideons International to resume distributing Bibles on a public sidewalk, without fear of arrest, until his case is resolved. The court granted a motion for preliminary injunction requested by attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund who represent Thomas Gray and struck down as unconstitutional a state statute under which he was threatened with arrest. Based on this ruling, the state is now prohibited from enforcing the statute.

“All citizens, including those with a religious message, have a constitutional right to express their faith on a public sidewalk. Christians are not second-class citizens under the Constitution when it comes to free speech,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman. “We are pleased that Mr. Gray will have the opportunity to continue his activities without fear of harassment or arrest while the lawsuit moves forward.”

On Jan. 19, Gray and other members of the Gideons Key Largo Camp began distributing Bibles on a public sidewalk outside Key Largo School. In accordance with the Gideons’ Key Largo Camp policy, they did not step on to school grounds, and they notified the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office of their plans ahead of time. School officials were also notified on the day of distribution. Both said the activity was permissible.

“The law is clear: The distribution of Bibles on a public sidewalk is not illegal,” said Cortman. “However, it is a violation of the law for officials to silence Christians whose only intent is to exercise their free speech rights.”

ADF is a legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.