http://www.press-enterprise.com/newsarchive/1998/02/21/888047199.html Judge OKs picketing of church[sic] By Susan Thurston
The Press-Enterprise A judge ruled Friday that a frequent protester of the Church of Scientology cannot be blocked from going near its Golden Era film studios in Gilman Hot Springs or its studio manager. Golden Era Manager Ken Hoden received a temporary restraining order against Keith Henson last month after Henson picketed outside the church's complex along Highway 79. Hoden argued Henson harassed and threatened him with a pool cue attached to a sign. Judge Stephen D. Cunnison of Riverside Superior Court on Friday refused Hoden's request to make the restraining order permanent. Henson, who has picketed Scientology sites across the country, was exercising his rights to free speech and did not single out Hoden, he said. "You don't have a situation here where the defendant is stopping people. This is not an abortion clinic situation," Cunnison said. The judge also said Henson's character was not relevant. "I'm not going to let you turn this into a show," said a frustrated Cunnison as he slammed on the bench thick volumes of documents submitted by Scientology representatives. Hoden's attorney, Kendrick Moxon, argued Henson is dangerous based on his numerous comments against Scientologists that have been posted on the Internet. He also cited Henson's experience with explosives and cryonics, the practice of freezing bodies in the hopes that they can brought back to life. Moxon agreed the First Amendment protects Henson's picketing "but not to the detriment of others." Henson's protests last May and in January threatened the safety of motorists along the state highway and Golden Era employees, he said. Hoden testified he approached Henson because he wanted to caution him about the dangers of the high-speed highway, which winds along the base of the mountains north of San Jacinto. He said he became fearful when Henson started attacking his religion. "He had no intentions of trying to resolve any problems. The only thing he wanted to do was have our entire complex destroyed," Hoden said. Henson, 55, of Palo Alto, said he never intended to harm anyone and was only voicing his views. He carried a sign that questioned whether Scientologists were to blame in the death of a woman in Florida. He hailed the judge's ruling, which also ordered Hoden to pay Henson's court costs, but not legal fees, as a victory for free speech. "It was a protected activity. They were trying to make it a personal attack," he said. After the hearing, Henson returned to Gilman Hot Springs to picket with Deana Holmes of Salt Lake City, who had been subpoenaed to testify for the defense. His attorney, Graham Berry, and a private investigator from Hemet took photographs and videos. Hoden said the church, which is paying the legal costs, may appeal the ruling. "I'm responsible for making sure someone doesn't get hurt," he said. "I'm also concerned about having him around because it could cause an upset." Published 2/21/1998 (Please note the only thing that *doesn't* cause the Soopermen of Scientology an 'Upset' is allowing them to perform their sedition in secret) Zinj