You’ll find all kinds of people and booths at the Twin Cities Pride Festival.
But what you didn’t find this year was the Johnson family of Hayward, Wisconsin handing out free bibles in Loring Park.
Doris and Brian Johnson say they have respectfully shared the gospel at the Pride Festival for about ten years.
But Saturday, the Johnsons and their 22-year-old son Jason, were arrested and taken to jail for about five hours for allegedly trespassing on festival grounds.
Festival Manager Jim Kelley performed the citizen’s arrests. Kelley said the Johnsons were denied a booth at this year’s festival because they wouldn’t agree to abide by a non-discrimination policy. Organizers also said they no longer wanted “detractors” in their midst.
“This is really about our community and feeling safe and secure and being able to relax and let down your guard and not having to explain who you are and why you’re that way,” Kelley said.
The Johnsons say they have a right to express their views on Christianity and homosexuality.
“We believe it is a sin. But that is not our primary reason for being here,” Doris said.
Doris said the primary reason is to share the gospel about Jesus.
Kelley said the Johnsons are welcome to do that outside of Loring Park, which became private property for the two days it was rented by the Pride Festival.
“They can say whatever they like,” Kelley said. “They just can’t do it here.”
