GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -
A man who police said staged a protest at a Greenville Chick-fil-A on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day faced a judge in Greenville Municipal Court Thursday morning for a bond hearing.
Jeffrey Martell, 30, was given a personal recognizance bond of $470 for each charge, trespassing and nuisance conduct, following his arrest on Wednesday.
Police said Martell blocked cars in the drive-thru lane at the Chick-fil-A on Laurens Road. Police said Martell told them his actions were in protest to the Chick-fil-A president's stance against marriage.
Kaye Martell, the mother of the suspect, was in court and said she was proud of her son.
"This is a man raised to believe everybody is equal, that everyone should have equal rights in this country," Kaye Martell said. "This is America."
Judge Matthew Hawley told Martell he has the right to express himself.
"There is no issue with regards to your ability to say whatever your position is and to say it loudly," Hawley said. "The city just regulates your behavior, not your opinion."
Judge Hawley said a person can't go on private property without permission.
Martell could face 30 days in jail on each charge.
Copyright 2012 FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Jeffrey Martell appears before a Greenville Co. judge. (Aug. 2, 2012/FOX Carolina)
