Judge Rejects Grand Haven Cross Injunction, Wants Full Briefs And Arguments

For the first time since the controversial vote, the City has put up the anchor requested by Mitch Kahle Friday morning, June 26th

By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)

Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge Jon Hulsing has denied my request to temporarily stop the City of Grand Haven from enforcing its resolution outlawing the Dewey Hill Cross while litigation ensues.

In an order issued Friday morning, Hulsing rejected the motion, saying "Prior to any ruling on injunctive relief, the Court will require this matter be adequately briefed and argued."

The Grand Haven Tribune described the issue this way:

"Hall asks that a temporary restraining order be placed to keep the city from enforcing its Jan. 5 resolution, aimed at allowing the Dewey Hill cross to be displayed during Worship on the Waterfront services until a hearing on his request for a preliminary injunction. He requests a show-cause hearing as to why a preliminary injunction should not be granted, and to have that hearing within 14 days, or by June 26 if a temporary restraining order is not granted.

The preliminary injunction, if granted, would force the city not to implement the resolution while the case is being litigated.

Hall’s final request is that the court enter judgment stating that the resolution is illegal and in violation of the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act; and unconstitutional, in violation of the Michigan and U.S. constitutions.

“The Dewey Hill cross is part of a Grand Haven tradition that shouldn't end because of Mitch Kahle's Christian bullying and legal threats,” Hall said. “In seeking this injunction, I am following the advice of Hawaii state Sen. Sam Slom, who dealt with Kahle's legal terror for many years. Sen. Slom suggested in a recent newspaper article that people seek injunctions to stop Kahle, and that is what this attempts to do."

A local church hosts worship services at Waterfront Stadium on Sunday evenings, which has included the raising of a cross across the river at Dewey Hill. This summer’s Worship on the Waterfront series begins June 28."

Judge Jon Hulsing (Grand Haven Tribune)

 The following statement was given to a requesting media outlet:

"Judge Hulsing has rejected my request to temporarily stop the City from enforcing the Dewey Hill Cross resolution, he wants full briefs and arguments on the issue. While the City has (as of this morning) put up the anchor and Mitch Kahle's coup is complete for now, make no mistake, like in Hager Park, his victory is only temporary.

If the Courts don't provide relief, City residents will elect a Pro Cross candidate in November, and this horrible resolution will be overturned by Council in time to bring back the Nativity! I have no regrets trying this legal hail mary route, and will continue to fight Kahle. It's wrong to bully people- whether it's economically or racially based, targeting gay and transgender kids...It's also wrong to attack and bully Christians in the way Mitch has done again and again for many years-it won't work here."

Grand Haven's Dewey Hill Cross on display during a 9/11 ceremony

 
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 

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Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson