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October 14, 2008

Six Arrested on Equality Ride

Six young adults on an LGBT-awareness campaign were arrested when they attempted to walk into the DeSantis Family Chapel at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday.

College administrators allowed Equality Riders from the religious tolerance organization Soulforce to visit campus for a private meeting at 9:30 a.m., but riders said the conditions were too restrictive. A group of parents greeted the riders, who were relegated to a part of the sidewalk on campus near the chapel. Some students later joined the group, and one female student came out as a lesbian, according to a press release. She told the group that the university lacks specific safeguards for LGBT students.

Six of the 16 riders on the trip attempted to enter 11 a.m. chapel service, but university police stopped them from entering.

"You are an unwanted guest," campus security director Terry Wheeler said to riders, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "We have asked the police department to enforce the trespassing law,"

The arrested riders were Jarrett Lucas, Enzi Tanner, Nicholas Rocco DeFinis, Lauren Parke, Zak Rittenhouse, and Danielle Cooper, ranging in age from 19 to 25. They will face a magistrate Tuesday morning.

The remaining Equality Riders held a vigil near the college through Monday afternoon.

The arrests took place after the Equality Ride bus was damaged Sunday night. The windows were smashed in, shattering two panes of glass, and small portions of the vinyl wrap were also scratched off. (Michelle Garcia, The Advocate)

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Kate
    Date posted: 2008-10-17 6:13 PM
    Hometown: Lansdale, PA

    Comment:

    I grew up with Nicholas. He is the most compassionate, honest, beautiful people in the world. I feel that if anyone deserves to step foot in a sacred place such as a church it would be him. I'm very proud of him and everyone else, too.


  • Name: Mark
    Date posted: 2008-10-13 10:47 PM
    Hometown: Woombye, Queensland

    Comment:

    You're right Tom. What a truly sad commentary on the state of affairs in so many of the "churches" in America. I know it doesn't hold true for all but did Jesus ever turn away anyone?? Makes ya wonder now doesn't it? It would be interesting to discover who damaged the Equality Ride bus now wouldn't it? I have my suspicions and the question I ask 'would Jesus have damaged their bus?' Good on ya though folks for standing proud.


  • Name: Tom Kidd
    Date posted: 2008-10-13 10:33 PM
    Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

    Comment:

    The sad thing is, if these six are not welcome there, neither is God. I think I have some new heroes today. Bless you, guys and gals; you will be in my thoughts and prayers.


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