When Lillie Johnson ventured to Munn Park on that Monday afternoon, the 13-year-old wanted to join others in protesting the recent Supreme Court decision nullifying Roe v. Wade.
Instead, the Lakeland teenager soon became a symbol for youthful resistance to the ruling that ended a constitutional right to an abortion.
Original Article https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2022/07/05/13-year-old-arrested-pro-choice-protest-in-lakeland/
As Lillie — who prefers the name “Rain” — led marchers in a chant of “My body, my choice,” two Lakeland police officers stepped forward and seized the teen by the arms, escorting them to a squad car. Lillie, who had been speaking through a bullhorn, was charged with violating a city ordinance that forbids using a device to amplify one’s voice.
Lillie’s mother, Lauren Johnson, recorded part of the incident on her phone and later posted the video on social media. It drew the attention of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is running for governor as a Democrat.
Fried tweeted: “I’m posting this with her mother’s permission because I need everyone to see what Ron DeSantis’ Florida really looks like. 13-year-olds being arrested for protesting for their own freedom.”
The tweet had generated more than 9,000 comments and 31,000 retweets as of Tuesday afternoon. Fried followed up Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. by tweeting, “Florida doesn’t have to be like this. This young woman is an inspiration. Let’s give her a better, freer future.”
Lillie, a ninth-grader, spent less than an hour at the police station before returning to Munn Park and rejoining about 200 people at the rally. Lillie, who identifies as nonbinary, said they were left bruised by the officers’ handling.
The teen joined their mother and two of their four siblings at the Munn Park event.
Violation of the ordinance is a second-degree misdemeanor. City code lists the maximum penalty as 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
LPD spokesperson Robin Tillett said Tuesday that reports and affidavits involving juveniles are exempt from public-records laws.
Lillie wore shorts and a crop top and a cape in pink, purple and blue, the colors of bisexuality. The teen carried an American flag and a rainbow flag for LGBTQ pride.
On the video, Johnson can be heard calling out, “Lillie, don’t resist, honey. It’s OK. I got you.”
Lillie said the officers didn’t use handcuffs until reaching the police station. Johnson said officers released Lillie with a notice to appear in court on Aug. 9, but as of Tuesday, the court appearance had been canceled.
Johnson said LPD told her the case had been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit. As of late Tuesday afternoon, the office had not offered any details about the case.