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Marcavage believes anyone who does not follow the letter of the moral law laid out in the Christian Bible is destined for hell. He says he has no perversions or unholy skeletons in his own closet that will keep him from the pearly gates, and since the Bible tells him to be "the light in the darkness," he spends his time delivering the bad news to sinners.
He says he has no leisure activities, no bowling leagues or drinking buddies, no poker night -- just a mission to enlighten the lost souls of the Philadelphia region.
"War is being waged in America, and there is no time to retreat," he said, as he walked out of the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia.
Marcavage, who lives in Lansdowne, where he also awaits trial for charges of disobedience, was in court to be arraigned on felony charges of riot, ethnic intimidation and criminal conspiracy, in addition to several misdemeanor charges.
He and 10 others were arrested Oct. 10 when they decided to enlighten the crowd at Outfest, one of Philadelphia’s largest gay celebrations.
Franny Price, who organizes the event as part of her duties for Philly Pride Presents, said Marcavage crashed her party.
"We’re all out there to have fun, and he’s up in your face, screaming and yelling," Price said. "I don’t think Jesus would show up with a bullhorn."
Marcavage calls it a "truth" horn, and he claims his First Amendment rights were violated when the cops hauled him out of Outfest in handcuffs.
Prosecutors say Marcavage refused to obey police orders and attempted to incite a riot at the gathering, where crowd estimates range from 30,000 to 40,000 people.
C. Scott Shields, Marcavage’s lawyer, said the police should have protected his client’s right to speak his opinion in the "marketplace of ideas," rather than whisking him away from the angry crowd.
"This prosecution is illegal," Shields said. "We can’t wait for our day in court."
That day is not getting any closer. The arraignment hearing was continued Wednesday until next week. Marcavage and Shields said the district attorney is stalling.
"They weren’t prepared last week; they’re not prepared this week, and now we have to come back next week," Marcavage said. "It’s disturbing. We hunger for justice."
Cathie Abookire, spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office, said the judicial delay was a matter of paperwork and nothing personal.
Price, who organizes Outfest, said she recognizes everyone’s right to protest and speak their opinion, but crashing the party and spoiling the day for everyone else should not be allowed.
"We have a right to have a party," she said. "(These protesters) are homophobes. That’s what they’re all about. This is what (Marcavage) does. If he didn’t do this, he’d just be another guy sitting at home without a job."
