Judge says Oklahoma evangelist's rights not violated by the University of Arkansas policy

<br>FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ The civil rights of an Oklahoma evangelist weren't violated by a University of Arkansas policy that limits how often he can preach on the campus, a federal judge says.

Friday, April 30th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ The civil rights of an Oklahoma evangelist weren't violated by a University of Arkansas policy that limits how often he can preach on the campus, a federal judge says.

U.S. District Judge Jimm Larry Hendren dismissed a lawsuit by Gary Don Bowman of Cherokee County, Okla.

Bowman had claimed in his suit, filed in October 2003, that the policy violated his rights to free speech, free exercise of religion, due process and equal protection. He asked for an injunction to keep the university from enforcing the policy.

The suit challenged a policy governing the use of facilities or outdoor spaces by nonstudents. It restricts nonstudents to five permits per semester, each requiring three days' notice and not available on designated ``dead days.''

Bowman often preached outside the UA Student Union.

Hendren heard evidence at an April 16 trial. He ruled Wednesday that the policy is content-neutral and reasonable.

The judge agreed with university lawyers that each time Bowman submitted a request to reserve outdoor space at a time consistent with the policy, his request was approved.

``It's clear that the university allowed (the) plaintiff to speak on whatever subjects he chose, in whatever manner he chose, even when his speech required additional security from the University Police Department,'' Hendren wrote.

Witnesses testified April 16 that Bowman called students ``sluts,'' ``whores,'' and ``fags'' and told them they were going to hell because they participated in fraternities and sororities.

Bowman claimed the university revised its policy to hamper his speech on campus. University officials testified that the policy was last revised in 1993 _ five years before Bowman first appeared on campus.