Preacher Fights Back After Restraining Order Following Bible Verse Protest

A constitutional attorney is sounding the alarm about a case he says could have sweeping religious liberty ramifications. John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute, a nonprofit civil liberties organization, said his client, Rich Penkoski, was slapped with a five-year restraining order that prevents him from protesting online or in person the activities of an LGBT organization in Oklahoma. As CBN News previously reported, the situation unfolded after the preacher posted his moral and religious concerns online, expressing his beliefs about a church that purportedly supported same-sex marriage and a drag queen performance in front of kids. Penkoski also reportedly posted on Facebook about a lesbian couple’s wedding ceremony, sharing a church’s public picture of the gay nuptials; one of the women is allegedly the executive board president for Oklahomans for Equality Bartlesville. Romans 1:32 was allegedly shared along with that posting. That Scripture reads (ESV): “Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.“ As The Christian Post noted, Matthew 18:6 was also shared, which reads, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.“ The lesbian couple reportedly sought a restraining order over the assertion the verses were threatening, though Penkoski has denied that claim. A five-year protective order was granted by a judge after the couple expressed fears over their safety. Listen to Whitehead explain why he’s appealing and what he believes is at stake. Download the free CBN News App: SUBSCRIBE to the CBN News Channel for more: SUBSCRIBE to the QuickStart Newsletter by visiting SUBSCRIBE to the Quickstart Podcast. New episodes every morning at 7am: What’s coming up next? Have a look at our program guide: CBN features 24-hour TV news from a Christian perspective. The CBN News Channel provides independent news programming to an underserved audience to enlighten, entertain and inspire Christians around the world. Comments below do not necessarily reflect the views of CBN. Share this live feed with your friends and family: Like us on Facebook: Like us on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Contact News Editors: Questions about other CBN programs: Questions about supporting CBN? (and) Questions about Helping the Home Front? Call: 800-700-7000 #breakingnews #politicalnews #christiannews #christian #christianity #church #breakingnews #cbnnews