HISTORIC RELIGIOUS RIGHTS/MARIJUANA CASE?

The latest news about this case can be found at the bottom of page!
CLICK HERE: USA Vs FORCHION,  04-949-m

MONTHLY DEMONSTRATION OF MARIJUANA'S LEGALITY
ON FEDERAL PROPERTY

Every 3rd Saturday "NJWEEDMAN" and PAT DUFF" will demonstrate

the legality of using marijuana on Federal grounds at the LIBERTY BELL!

There are many people out there now in this post-911era who claim to be “FREEDOM FIGHTERS” but none fight for freedom more than the:

NJWEEDMAN Super-hero to the POTHEADS!

MUST SEE

PRESS RELEASE AND STATEMENT OF INTENTION FOR:

1st MONTHLY SMOKE-OUT-(DEC 20^th, 2003)

MUST SEE: 2004 Election Ad's

MUST SEE: LIBERTY BELL SMOKEOUT VIDEO

WILLIAM PENN --- EDWARD FORCHION
Re-incarnation?

Could Bill and Weedman be the same soul!

Religious use of Marijuana at the Liberty Bell is legal!

In 1993 the U.S. Congress passed the (42 U.S.C. § 2000bb(a)) Religious Freedom and Restoration Act which allows for the religious use of marijuana on federal grounds; during the course of a religious ceremony.

On Dec. 20th, 2003 local provocateurs, Pat Duff and NJWEEDMAN, demonstrated this fact by smoking at the LIBERTY BELL. Although at the time they were issued summons no court date was immediately set, prompting these two to embark on a monthly demonstration.

They have now decided to turn Independence Park into Philly Peace Park. Come join these two FREEDOM FIGHTERS in a “joint” demonstration and act of civil dis-obedience. Make a statement to end the “WAR on DRUGS”. Every 3rd Saturday of each month!

UPDATE - A COURT DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR SEPTEMBER 29th, 2004!

JUDGE ARNOLD C. RAPPORT Courtroom 5C, fifth Floor,U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

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FIGHT THE POWER
(VIDEO CLIP)

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

DOWNLOAD AND PASS OUT THESE FLYER'!

DOWNLOAD LIBERTY BELL FLYER ( SIDE 1) HERE:
 ( FLYER FRONT)

DOWNLOAD LIBERTY BELL FLYER ( SIDE 2) HERE:
 ( FLYER BACK)

EDWARD FORCHION "Freedom of Religion means all Religions"; that would include me and my faith. Unfortunately especially in New Jersey Superior Court Family division my Religious Rights are constantly ignored. This demonstration is designed to legally put all Governmental agencies on notice that Freedom of Religion also applies to non-Christian African based faiths.  I had my visitation rights taken from me for espousing my Religious beliefs; I've been imprisoned, railroaded into prison without the rights to a fair trial and imprisoned again for complaining about. My hope is Judge Rapoport will uphold the Constitutional Right of”FREEDOM of RELIGION" and not the Governments Drug Policy of War.        - 2003

MARCUS GARVEY "If the whiteman has his image of a "WHITE GOD”, let him worship his "GOD" as he desires. If the yellow man’s”GOD" is of his own race let him worship his "GOD" as he sees fit. We as Negroes have found a new ideal. Whilst our "GOD" has no color, yet it is human to see everything through your own spectacles, and since the white people have seen their "GOD" through white spectacles, we only now have started our (late through it maybe) to see our "GOD" thought our own spectacles. The "GOD" of ISSAAC and the "GOD" of Jacob let HIM exist for the race that believes in the "GOD" of ISAAC and the "GOD" of Ethiopia, the everlasting "GOD" - GOD the father, God the Son and GOD the HOLY GHOST the ONE GOD of all ages. That is the "GOD" in whom we believe, but we shall worship HIM through the spectacles of Ethiopia. - 1925

9th Circuit Court of Appeals Rules Religion May Be Defense to Marijuana Possession

IN THE COURTS March 1996

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled on February 2 that under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, Rastafarian defendants should be allowed to show that they use marijuana for bona fide religious reasons in their defense against charges of possession of marijuana (U.S. v. Bauer,Meeks,Triber, No. 94-30073, 96 C.D.O.S. 756, 1996WL42240 (9th Cir. 1996);(OPINION); Reynolds Holding, "Rastafarian Pot Could Be Legal," San Francisco Chronicle, February 3, 1996, p. A14; "Marijuana For Religious Reasons," Washington Post, February 5, 1996, p. A10; Associated Press, "Court: Rastafarians Can Hold Marijuana," Chicago Tribune, February 4, 1996, p. 9).

Acting on two tips, police initiated an investigation of marijuana trafficking from Mexico to Billings, Montana. As a result of the investigation, 26 people were indicted in November 1992 on a number of charges, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, money laundering, use of firearms in relation to drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Three of the defendants, Calvin Treiber, Dawn Meeks, and Lexi Bauer, appealed on the grounds that they possessed the marijuana in the course of practicing their religion, Rastafarianism. The Court of Appeals found that Rastafarianism is a recognized religion that considers marijuana a sacrament.

In 1993, Meeks had requested the district court to provide funds for expert testimony on the use of marijuana in Rastafarianism. The district court denied that motion and granted a government motion to prevent any religious defense to the charges. The defendants' trial started on October 3, 1993. On November 17, 1993, the defendants notified the court that President Clinton had signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on November 16, 1993. The Act declares that "governments should not substantially burden religious exercise without compelling justification," i.e. government interest. Further, the Act allows for persons who find that a law does "substantially burden" their free exercise of religion to present evidence of such at trial (P.L. 103-141; 42 U.S.C. 2000bb-1). The district court refused to reconsider its ruling on the government's motion.

Post-conviction, the defendants argued that laws regulating marijuana greatly interfere with the ability of Rastafarians to practice their religion. The district court ruled that "the government has an overriding interest in regulating marijuana." The court quoted a 1967 Fifth Circuit decision: "It would be difficult to imagine the harm which would result if the criminal statutes against marihuana were nullified as to those who claim the right to possess and traffick in this drug for religious purposes. For all practical purposes the anti-marihuana laws would be meaningless, and enforcement impossible" (Leary v. U.S., 383 F.2d 851 (5th Cir. 1967), rev'd on other grounds, 395 U.S. 6 (1969)).

The Court of Appeals three judge panel was unanimous that the defendants should have been allowed to present evidence of their religious use of marijuana at trial. Judge John T. Noonan, Jr., writing for the court, found that under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the government would be required to show that the burdens on the defendants' religion were in the course of furthering the government's interest and that the laws were the "least restrictive means of furthering that compelling government interest." While the defendants may use the religious argument in their defense of simple possession charges, Noonan wrote that the same argument cannot be applied to other charges of conspiracy to distribute, possession with intent to distribute, and money laundering. "Nothing before us suggests that Rastafarianism would require this conduct," he wrote.

Noonan ordered that the defendants be retried on the simple possession charges. At such trial, Noonan wrote, the government can challenge whether the defendants are Rastafarians. "It is not enough in order to enjoy the protections of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to claim the name of a religion as a protective cloak," Noonan wrote. "Neither the government nor the court has to accept the defendants' mere say-so." (The Government chose not to re-try, or appeal this case)

The defendants appealed on a number of other grounds, including inappropriate peremptory challenges to the jury by the prosecution, misleading jury instructions, and selective prosecution. The Court of Appeals found no grounds for any of these arguments.

THE SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER

‘Rastafarians hit it big in pot fight’

June 3, 2002

BY DAVID KIEFER
Of The Examiner Staff

It's illegal to smoke ganja in Jamaica. At the Presidio, it's a different story. After all, it's freedom of religion -- if you're a Rastafarian, and have the dreadlocks to prove it.

Yep, those days of hiding that certain smell from your landlord are over. Rastafarians can now smoke out in the great outdoors as long as they keep it on federal land -- wink, wink -- and they have Benny Toves Guerrero to thank for the action.

Guerrero was arrested at the Guam airport for marijuana possession, but his appeal to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ended favorably Tuesday.

The court ruled that Congress had the power to make religious exemptions to existing laws. The result: A loophole allowing the smoking of weed -- a spiritual offering in the Rastafarian religion -- on federal land.

Around the Rastafarian community Wednesday, the court ruling was being savored like a long, slow toke.

"That's what I was telling you this morning," said a friend trying to help Jamaica native Glendon Codling, who was selling necklaces from a table on Market and Fifth streets Wednesday, fully realize the effect of the decision. "Can I be a Rasta?"

Unfortunately, Codling's Caucasian buddy might not pass muster. In other words, don't expect an influx of new converts.

"A Rasta comes with the hair," said Newton Gordon, Jamaica's honorary consul to San Francisco. "You don't see a Rasta with a nice crew cut."

But they do have pot. It's an integral part of the Rasta religion, and now, they don't have to hide it anymore. They can go to Ocean Beach, Crissy Field, Point Reyes, even the Farallons, and light a doobie.

"In Jamaica, it's a lot like food," Codling said. "It's like relaxation. But in Jamaica you get in big, big trouble."

You mean in the home of Bob Marley it is illegal to smoke pot? Codling was asked.

"Yes," he said, musing about the idea of being able to light one up near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Gordon explained that the law was implemented as a means to avoid a strong dependence on Colombian drug lords.

"But everybody looks the other way," Gordon said. "In Jamaica, no one's going to arrest you for smoking pot."

No one will here either, just watch where you're standin
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FOR MORE DETAILS ON NJWEEDMAN's CLAIM OF THE LEGALITY OF MARIJUANA USE ON FEDERAL PROPERTY SEE: "HE'S BACK"

THE LIBERTY BELL IS ON FEDERAL PROPERTY

On Dec. 20th, 2003
 we hold the first of our "It's legal at the bell" demonstration.

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

12/24/2003

Marijuana activist uses act of defiance to launch campaign

Newly off probation, Ed Forchion of Browns Mills announced a bid for the U.S. House, then lit up.

By Sam Wood,Inquirer Staff Writer

Call it a joint announcement.

A South Jersey advocate for the liberalization of marijuana laws declared his candidacy for the U.S. House at Independence National Historical Park by - how else? - lighting up a marijuana cigarette.

Not that he got a chance to smoke it.

After just a few tokes Saturday afternoon, a phalanx of 17 park rangers surrounded Ed Forchion, also known as NJ Weedman.

The rangers confiscated the candidate's joint, and Forchion, 44, was issued a $150 ticket for possession of a controlled substance.

Minutes before, while standing between Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Pavilion, Forchion said he intended to run as the U.S. Marijuana Party's candidate for the seat held by Republican Jim Saxton in New Jersey's Third Congressional District.

The district extends across Burlington and Ocean Counties and includes a few neighborhoods in Camden County.

Also cited shortly after 4:20 p.m. was Pat Duff, 27, who said he intended to run as the Marijuana Party's candidate for Philadelphia City Council in 2007. The self-described "renegade car salesman" said he would run on a platform encouraging the opening of cannabis cafes across the city.

About 50 supporters, many with video cameras and shivering against the wind, had gathered to watch Forchion and Duff ceremoniously light up.

The time and setting had been chosen with Karl Rove-ian precision. "Four-20" is stoner slang for smoking marijuana. The park had the benefit of being federal property, outside the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Police Department.

"We're peaceful, patriotic potheads," the soft-spoken Forchion said. "We had meant to do this on Dec. 6, but it snowed and ruined what we'd thought was going to be a big turnout."

On Dec. 3, Forchion completed 20 months of probation in Camden County for pleading guilty to possessing five pounds of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

"I'm happy," he said of putting probation behind him, "I can run for office again."

Forchion, of Browns Mills, has run for Burlington County freeholder and for the First District seat in the U.S. House on the Legalize Marijuana ticket.

A Rastafarian, Forchion has said he smoked marijuana for religious reasons, to relieve back pain, and to help him deal with chronic depression. The former cross-country truck driver has been an advocate of legalizing marijuana since the mid-1990s.

His high jinks have been celebrated in what is left of the counterculture. Among his stunts: lighting up in the New Jersey Assembly while wearing a black-and-white-striped prisoner's costume.

Saturday's announcement was intended to make a more sober point, he said, adding that he intended to challenge the rangers' citations in court.

"This is all about a First Amendment issue," Forchion said. "Freedom of religion allows for the religious use of marijuana on federal property. I'm just exercising that right." 
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Since this arrest nothing has happened, the summonses have disappeared if you don’t believe us just call the U.S. District Court Clerk’s office in Philadelphia (1-215-597-7077) and ask them what is the status of summons number:P -028826 and P-xxxxxx. Written by Park Police Officer Raflin badge # 99..           .

SEE VIDEO’s of

LIBERTY BELL DEMONSTRATIONS

DEC. 20th, 2003

"NJweedman" gives the cops the finger and gets searched while Pat doesn't.

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READ MORE HERE: SMOKE-OUT

NO VIDEO AVAILABLE

Jan. 17, 2004

Feb. 20, 2004

There is no VIDEO of this protest.

But here is video of Pat explaining our demonstrations.

MARCH 20th, 2004

"NJweedman gets searched again, while Pat doesn't. Is this an example of racism?

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This month was the best protest yet, take a look at this: MARCH/DEMONSTRATION

April 17th, 2004

finally the cops search both "Pat and NJweedman

May 15, 2004

Most successful demonstration yet!! No-one was ticketed, we "prayed", smoked and had a picnic.

June 19, 2004

July 17, 2004

This demonstration no-one was arrested but the Federal Park Police photographed us all. (watch this video) Or just read about it here: (TEXT ACCOUNT)

FINALLY WE HAVE A COURT DATE!

(July 21st, 2004 )
U.S. Federal Courthouse Philadelphia)

On Wednesday 7/21/2004 we had our first court appearance before Federal Judge Rapoport about our use of marijuana on Federal Property. Unfortunately, our Attorney Michael Coard wasn't able to make it because he is involved in a criminal trial. The case has been postponed to September 29th, 2004 before JUDGE ARNOLD C. RAPPORT Courtroom 5C, fifth Floor, U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106. Despite this, we will continue to use our sacrament every 3rd Sat of each month and after each court appearance for this case we will also hold a press conference/religious ceremony at the Bell where we will again use of "SACRAMENT" as is "LEGAL"

MONTHLY DEMONSTRATION

RAINED OUT AUGUST
Hurricane XXXX

RAINED OUT SEPTEMBER
Hurricane XXXXX

COURT HEARING
SEPTWEMBER 29th, 2004

After Court we will again hold a peaceful ceremony where we will pray for peace and an end to the drug war.

OCT 16th, 2004
"no video"
NOODLEMAN meets NJWEEDMAN
at the Liberty Bell for a little (LEGAL)
religious Smoke

Please read about this date here:
XXXX

NOV 20th, 2004

On Nov. 12th, 2004" Judge Rapoport sentenced NJWEEDMAN - he illegally orders NJWEEDMAN not to enter Independence Park again or he will be jailed. This is another "unconstitutional" attempt at stopping NJWEEDMAN from proselytizing about his faith and beliefs!

Is this Independence Park or Tinaniman Square?

On 11/12/04 - NJWEEDMAN say's, "I'll will enter the park and will talk about my faith!"

Will he be jailed?

11/20/04: No-one notice's njweedman slipping into the park and holding a quick prayer service and exiting before the Park Police can pounce! This was a small victory for NJWEEDMAN in his larger war against the Government's Drug Policies which makes his religion illegal to practice in America just as William Penn’s was in England! How can our nations defense's against "TERRORIST" be adequate when a "known pothead" can announce his intentions and get away without even being noticed?

DECEMBER 18th, 2004
(3:00 -4:20pm)

Due to the conditions of "probation" NJWEEDMAN will not enter the park. He hopes others will continue to show up at Independence Park, and 'smoke the sacred herb'. "I don't want anyone arrested; try to do it without attracting the attention of the park police. NJWEEDMAN say's, “I want others to continue my example and use the herb in the park". If I'm ever jailed I hope others will show up here every 3rd Saturday of the month and demand my "FREEDOM"".

UNTIL THIS CONVICTION IS OVERTURNED
I will stand across the street from the Park
  on the steps of KYW, TV-3, and WYSP FM-94.1
with a sign:


SEE VIDEO OF: DEC. 18th, 2004 here!

2005/Happy New Year

Jan 15
(3-4:20pm)

It is hoped that "spiritual potheads" will once again show up and "pray" for the end of the Governments religious persecution of us thru the "DRUG LAWS" and to speak-out against the War in Iraq. (SEE JAN05)

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February 19, 2005
(3-4:20pm)

It may be real cold outside but the Governments treatment of us is "COLD", please show up and speak out against the Government persecution of "SPIRITUAL HERB USERS" and the War in Iraq. (SEE FEB05)

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March 19, 2005
(3-4:20pm)
The weather should be getting better, people should be getting real tired of the PERSECUTION of us and use these monthly demonstrations to voice their opposition to Government persecution of us for our "religious choice". Come speak out against the "WAR in IRAQ" and the war on us!
(SEE MARCH05)

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SPECIAL EVENT : WEDNESDAY APRIL 20th, 2005

"420"

On this most high of "POTHEAD HOLIDAYS" it is hoped by NJWEEDMAN that spiritual potheads from all over the world will converge on "independence mall" in Philadelphia and "pray" for the end of the Government persecution of herb users. If he's not in jail, NJWEEDMAN still will not be able to enter the park but will stand just outside of the parks jurisdiction on the corner of 5th and market. CBS-TV3 and radio station kyw1060am and 94.1 fm are located in this building maybe they will cover the event! At 430pm NJWEEDMAN will address the crowd, give a speech and hold a press conference explaining the plight of the "herb users" in America due to Government persecution! (SEE 42005)

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April 23, 2005

Our hope is many will show for the 420 event, but for those who can't make it on that date the monthly demonstration will continue. (SEE APRIL05)

On September 29^th, 2004

WEEDMAN and DUFF appear before Judge Rapoport. Judge Rapoport actually compliments NJWEEDMAN by telling him he missed his calling: “you should have been a lawyer”. 
(READ TRANSCRIPT OF SEPT 29th, 2004 here)

NJWEEDMAN FILES:

(MOTION TO DIS-MISS)

SUMMARY of COURT HEARING
SEPTEMBER 29th, 2004

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On September 29th, 2004 Judge Rapoport ordered the Federal Government to file a written brief in opposition to the brief filed above by Ed Forchion on behalf of himself and Patrick Duff. The Judge then gave the Federal Government 10 days to respond and Njweedman 10 days after that to reply to the Gov't brief! The Judge said he will return a order on Nov 10th, 2004. - Imagine that!!! A FEDERAL JUDGE will rule if "NJWEEDMAN" can smoke marijuana at the Liberty Bell. Almost on the anniversary of the signing of the RFRA.