Christian groups plans protest outside ESPN

Press release from The Christian Defense Coalition, via the Christian Newswire:

BRISTOL, Connecticut, Jan. 24 - The Christian Defense Coalition plans to lead a public demonstration and prayer vigil outside of ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.

Event Details---

When: Friday, January 25, 12:00 noon

Where: On the public sidewalk in front of ESPN on West Street, across from McDonalds, in front of the sign that reads "Welcome to Bristol, Home of ESPN," in Bristol, Connecticut

An ESPN executive confirmed to Rev. Patrick Mahoney the existence of a tape of Dana Jacobson's comments. The Christian Defense Coalition will lead a protest asking ESPN to release the tape and fire Jacobson.

ESPN executives have agreed to meet with Christian Defense Coalition members on Friday, following the demonstration.

The Coalition says hate speech, bigotry, and religious intolerance should have no place in the public square and the only proper response for ESPN is to release Ms. Jacobson.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "Hate speech, and religious intolerance should have no place in American society. When we see these things raise their ugly head, it is critical that people of good will unite together and prayerfully stand against such bigotry and prejudice. By publicly saying, 'F--k Jesus,' while representing ESPN, Dana Jacobson has crossed a very well defined line. Her comments are so outrageous and inflammatory that the only proper response for ESPN is to immediately release her. A week suspension is simply not enough and sends a message that ESPN tolerates this kind of behavior and speech.

"Imagine the outrage if Ms. Jacobson said, 'F--k Mohammed,' 'F--k Jews,' or 'F--k African Americans.' We would simply ask that the parent company of ESPN, ABC, treat this incident the same way they did when Isaiah Washington publicly used the word 'fag' when referring to a cast member. Although the faith community can forgive and extend mercy to Ms. Jacobson, she still must assume full responsibility and accept the consequences for her hate-filled rhetoric."


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