by Robert W. Artigo and Alveda King
The First Amendment of the US Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
This books recounts in great detail how the rights of a Baptist minister – Walter B Hoye II – were compromised as he experienced the Oakland, California, “Bubble Zone” ordinance relating to reproductive health clinics. Interwoven is the life story of Rev. Hoye, with the entire process of Oakland enacting the “bubble zone” ordinance, the actions of Rev. Hoye that lead to his arrest and conviction, and his experience in jail. This book is a great read to raise awareness of how the system works, or doesn’t work, told by the people who lived through it. It is also a classic analysis of our political and judicial system and a wonderful first-person explanation of why Walter B Hoye II endured all he did, as a man of principle who was willing to pay the price sometimes required to live by one’s principles.
Rev. Walter B. Hoye II is a friend to many of our members and has spoken at a number of events throughout our nation.
