"Is this the future of free speech and political dissent under President Obama? "

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Activists to File Federal Lawsuit Against the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department after They Ban Pro-Life Display in Front of the White House WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- The lawsuit will be filed in the U. S. District Court on Friday, January 16, at 11:00 A.M. Activists are seeking a Temporary Restraining Order against the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. The location of the District Court is Constitution Ave. and 3rd Street NW in Washington, D.C. The Christian Defense Coalition will hold a news conference to discuss the case on Friday, January 16, at 11:00 A.M. in front of the court. Copies of the lawsuit will be made available to the media. Activists are being represented by The American Center for Law and Justice. The lawsuit was filed after the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department denied the request of activists to leave a "sidewalk chalk" display with pro- life messages and art in front of the White House on January 25, 2009. This is in spite of the fact that the Christian Defense Coalition has received permission from Washington, D.C. law enforcement officials to conduct numerous demonstrations involving "sidewalk chalking" for over 16 years. The City of Washington, D.C. has also sponsored numerous sidewalk chalk art displays. (View the letter from our attorney to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.) Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, "For over 16 years, law enforcement officials have given permission to the Christian Defense Coalition to use public 'sidewalk chalking' as a part of their demonstrations and vigils in the nation's capitol. The City of Washington, DC has also allowed numerous public 'chalk art displays' throughout the city. "It is therefore most troubling that for the first time the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is banning this practice when it involves a pro-life display in front of the White House. "Is this the future of free speech and political dissent under President Obama? "The streets in front of the White House should be open to all views, opinions and thoughts. It should not be a place of censorship and intimidation. I hope this was not the kind of change President Obama was talking about." For more information or interviews call: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735 Cell: 540.538.4741