Incident Overvie
Terry House, a street preacher with 25 years of experience, was arrested outside the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. The arrest occurred after police received complaints about his preaching near the festival entrance. According to the incident report, House was using a “Personal PA” system (a small amplification device) while preaching. Although he agreed to turn off the device when requested, tensions escalated when he refused to move further away from the festival area as instructed by law enforcement.
The police claimed that House was violating a private property agreement between the city and the festival organizers. However, upon review of the property use agreement, no specific guidelines regarding private property were mentioned. This discrepancy raised questions about whether House’s actions truly warranted an arrest.
Key Events Leading to Arrest
-
Initial Complaint: Police were called due to complaints about House’s preaching near the festival entrance.
-
Request to Move: Officers asked House to relocate further away from the event area—first to another corner and then even farther to a walking bridge.
-
Refusal to Comply: House agreed initially but later refused to move beyond a certain point, believing he had reached an understanding with law enforcement.
-
Arrest for Disorderly Conduct: After refusing further relocation requests, police arrested him on charges of disorderly conduct and transported him to Marion County Jail.
House was released shortly afterward on a $500 bond.
Legal and Social Implications
-
Freedom of Speech Concerns: The arrest has sparked debate over First Amendment rights in public spaces. Terry House argued that his right to free speech was infringed upon since he was preaching in what he believed was a public area.
-
City Policies on Public Spaces: The city administrator clarified that while no permit is required for street preaching in South Pittsburg, amplified devices like megaphones or personal PA systems are prohibited without prior approval.
-
Community Reactions:
-
Some residents supported freedom of speech but felt there is “a time and place” for such activities.
-
Others expressed concerns about how easily people take offense or how minor incidents can lead to arrests.
-
Statements from Key Individuals
-
Terry House: He expressed disappointment over being arrested for practicing his faith publicly and emphasized protecting Christian liberties in South Pittsburg.
-
Karen House (Terry’s Wife): She recorded the encounter and stated her desire for corrective action against what she views as an infringement on free speech rights.
-
Attorney Jerry Summers: He highlighted that freedom of speech is broad but not absolute, noting that certain limitations exist depending on context and location.
