SALT LAKE CITY -
New surveillance video was released on YouTube Thursday showing four security guards for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints handcuffing and separating a gay couple after they kissed on July 9 on the Main Street Plaza. The video was previously sent out by the LDS Church to Salt Lake City prosecution to aid in the review of the trespassing charges against the couple, Matt Aune and Derek Jones. The video does not show the kiss, but shows the confrontation and handcuffing of the couple.
Trespassing charges against the couple were dropped Wednesday by Salt Lake City prosecution. Prosecutor Sim Gill said that the Main Street Plaza, although it is property of the LDS Church, is also perceived as public property.
"There would be a basis to conclude the alleged trespassers did not have the sufficient notice to form the necessary mental intent to commit criminal trespass," Gill told the Associated Press. "There were no signs clearly indicating the 'at will' capacity to eject -- for any reason -- persons who entered this private property."
On Wednesday, church spokeswoman Kim Farah released a statement that said, "while we feel the city had the necessary elements available for prosecution in this matter, the decision on whether to move forward or not rests with the city prosecutor."
Aune and Jones said their affection was just "a simple kiss on the cheek" and that the church is targeting them specifically because they are gay. The incident on July 9 has inspired two other kissing demonstrations, one at the church's San Diego temple and another at the Main Street Plaza. Gay rights activists have also announced that they are organizing a "Great Nationwide Kiss-In" event scheduled for Aug. 15.
The LDS Church said the gay couple's affection was more than just "a simple kiss on the cheek." The church said "they engaged in passionate kissing, groping, profane and lewd language, and had obviously been using alcohol."
The gay couple were cited by Salt Lake City police for trespassing on July 9.
"There would be a basis to conclude the alleged trespassers did not have the sufficient notice to form the necessary mental intent to commit criminal trespass," Gill told the Associated Press. "There were no signs clearly indicating the 'at will' capacity to eject -- for any reason -- persons who entered this private property."
On Wednesday, church spokeswoman Kim Farah released a statement that said, "while we feel the city had the necessary elements available for prosecution in this matter, the decision on whether to move forward or not rests with the city prosecutor."
Aune and Jones said their affection was just "a simple kiss on the cheek" and that the church is targeting them specifically because they are gay. The incident on July 9 has inspired two other kissing demonstrations, one at the church's San Diego temple and another at the Main Street Plaza. Gay rights activists have also announced that they are organizing a "Great Nationwide Kiss-In" event scheduled for Aug. 15.
The LDS Church said the gay couple's affection was more than just "a simple kiss on the cheek." The church said "they engaged in passionate kissing, groping, profane and lewd language, and had obviously been using alcohol."
The gay couple were cited by Salt Lake City police for trespassing on July 9.
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