Protesters Say Limits Flout Rights

About 25 people gathered in front of Tustin City Hall on Monday in a continued protest of restrictions on invocations before City Council meetings.

Speaking beneath a “Freedom of Speech” banner, group leaders said they want Mayor Richard B. Edgar to apologize for a letter that they interpreted to mean “Jesus Christ” could not be said during invocations.

“Our religious rights are being challenged,” said Tustin attorney Nova Dean Pack. “There’s a prohibition here and we’re not going to stand for it.”

Group leaders said they want the council to pass a resolution reaffirming its support of free speech. They also are asking for the removal of the city attorney, whose memo prompted the mayor’s original letter.

The group continued its protest at the City Council meeting Monday night. But about half of the more than 20 people who spoke during a 90-minute discussion voiced support for the mayor, and some read letters of support from local clergy.

“It is obvious that not all of the clergy in the city have the same voice,” said Al Shifberg-Mencher.

After the parade of speakers, the mayor agreed to place the issue on the agenda for the next City Council meeting March 19. But Edgar cautioned that “there is no action to be taken since all that was done was to advise clergy of court decisions” relating to invocations.

Edgar last week tried to calm the clergy with a second letter, in which he wrote that he did not mean “Jesus Christ” could not be said during invocations.

Group leaders criticized the mayor’s response as too general, but other group members say Edgar has done enough.

“I think the mayor did the right thing and I would vote for him again,” said Stephanie Nelson of Tustin, who said that group leader Norman Hahn’s call for the mayor’s resignation is extreme.

The demonstration Monday afternoon drew a few curious onlookers and one outspoken critic.

“The Christians in this country are going through a new McCarthyism where if we oppose Jesus, you don’t want it said out loud,” Bill Hays, a Tustin writer, said to group leaders who tried to minister to him.