Sidewalk Preacher Arrested on Disorderly Conduct Charge

This article was written by Judy Davids and Leslie Ellis.

A familiar sidewalk preacher faces charges for how he delivers his message. 

The man, who has preached against homosexuality on the sidewalk outside Affirmations in Ferndale, was arrested Friday in Royal Oak.

Royal Oak Police confirm the man was arrested near Fourth and Main streets in that city and faces charges of disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

Brian Lane, co-owner of Bingo Pet Salon on Fourth Street, said the young preacher uses a microphone to protest against homesexuality.

"He specifically targets people walking down the street and tries to provoke them," Lane said. "One time I was walking with my friend's son and he shouted, 'Do you want that child to go to hell?' "

Preachers and demonstrators are often a part of the sidewalk mix downtown, according Lt. Dave Clemens of the Royal Oak Police.

"It is legal for someone to try to strike up a conversation on the sidewalk," Clemens said.

But one cannot block the sidewalk, create unreasonable noise or taunt others and create a situation that could lead to a fight, Clemens said. 

City Manager April Lynch said the rules are similar in Ferndale.

"As long as the free speech meets the definition in the First Amendment then it is allowable," she said. "However, there can be no disorderly conduct or harm caused."