Philly Pride Prevails Against

Repent America Members' Lawsuit

The Third Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed today, July 15, 2008, the dismissal of the lawsuit against Philly Pride, Fran Price and Chuck Volz brought by members of Repent America.  The Third Court's favorable opinion was issued in Startzell, et al. v. City of Philadelphia, et al., Case No. 07-0461.  The Third Circuit affirmed that Repent America members interfered with Philly Pride's 2004 Outfest event, and that their claims against Philly Pride, Fran Price and Chuck Volz were without merit, having been dismissed pretrial by the District Court. 

According to the Court's opinion, the plaintiff Repent America members actually "insulted individual attendees [of Outfest 2004], blocked access to [Outfest] vendors, and disobeyed direct orders from the police, who were trying to preserve order and keep the peace."  Executive Director Fran Price said that "Instead of letting us have our celebration in peace, Repent America members not only interfered with our LGBT event, they proceeded to sue both Philly Pride and the police.  The Court was very precise that their claim for being arrested for praying on the streets of Philadelphia were without merit."  Senior Advisor Chuck Volz said that the use of bullhorns and the "unChristianlike" manner of Repent America members at verbally assaulting a transgender telling her that her "five o'clock shadow was showing" and that "her mirror had lied to her" was very important to the Third Circuit. 

"Repent America is the modern day version of the biblical wolves in sheep clothing," said Chuck.  "They were gay bashers pretending to be Christians.  The court saw right through them."

Fran Price said Philly Pride was so right in honoring our counsel as "Friends of Pride" in our June 2008 event.  "Without them, all this would be impossible."

Update, August, 2008:  The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has turned down Repent America's request for a hearing en banc (a hearing before the entire court and not just the three judge panel).  No word yet if Repent America will appeal to the Supreme Court. 

For further information, please contact Fran Price, Philly Pride Presents, at 215-875-9288, or phillygaypride@aol.com.