FREEPORT (WGME) — Despite the cold and a judge’s ruling against them, the Freeport Flag Ladies continue their weekly display of patriotism. On Tuesday morning, about a dozen people stood by the flag ladies.
On Monday, a judge denied their request for a restraining order against James Roux III. The three women claim Roux harassed and intimidated them.
Roux’s father died on 9/11 and he protested the flag ladies in the past.
They say the ruling is frustrating. “We felt threatened. When Carmen was trembling so badly we had to calm her down for 20 minutes before she could tell us what took place. No court on this side of heaven or hell can tell me he has that right,” Elaine Greene of the Freeport Flag Ladies said.
“Regardless of what the judge ruled yesterday, a threat perceived is real, and we swore an oath to protect our citizens from those kinds of threats,” Steve Spooner, Army veteran, said.
Judge dismisses protection order sought by Freeport Flag Ladies
WEST BATH (WGME) — After hearing testimony from the three Freeport Flag Ladies and from James Roux III, the man the Ladies accused of threatening and harassing them, the judge dismissed the case against Roux.
The Flag Ladies all testified about the alleged threatening behavior of James Roux III.
Flag Lady Elaine Greene testified about a 9/11 event where police dragged Roux out after he caused a scene. And Flag Lady Carmen Footer says Roux stood on her front porch and yelled at her.
Roux testified he never yelled and never caused a scene.
He says he was only speaking up for what he believes in, nonviolence and urging the Flag Ladies to stop using 9/11 to further their own political agenda.
Roux’s father died on 9/11. He was on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Center.
James Roux says he doesn’t carry a gun and who would never hurt the Flag Ladies, and is happy with the judge’s decision to drop the harassment claim.
“I’m, I’m happy with the decision,” Roux said. “I did not harass them and I do not harass people. I believe in nonviolence. I’m happy with it and I hope that people in Maine are not scared of me.”
“It’s all about his Freedom of Speech,” Greene said. “But his Freedom of Speech harassing us doesn’t matter that we felt threatened? I had to buy mace and pepper spray and a stun gun because I got concerned. No. No, the system was not served today.”
Elaine Greene called James Roux a bully and says the only way to deal with a bully is a bigger bully.
James Roux says he plans to find more civil and less threatening ways to get his message across, as the judge advised him to do.
More coverage: Freeport sign carrier: Flag Ladies situation blown out of proportion
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