Pedophile Claims Free Exercise Protections

In Cleveland, Ohio yesterday, a man charged with sexually assaulting nine boys who have physical or mental disabilities argued in court that his activities were protected by the First Amendment's free exercise clause. According to the Associated Press, Phillip Distasio, who admits he is a pedophile, says he is the leader of a church called the Arcadian Field Ministries. He says having sex with children is a sacred ritual of his church. Distasio made the argument himself after his court-appointed lawyer refused to put forward a First Amendment defense.