Priest nearly arrested at council meeting

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Father Nathan Monk went to the Pensacola city council meeting Thursday, intending to voice his opinion.

However, Council President Sam Hall revoked Monk’s right to speak and threatened him with arrest.

Three people who voiced their opinion on a proposed city ordinance were escorted out of the council meeting Monday. Monk said he spoke up at the meeting to show his disappointment.

"The city council vows an oath, in that oath they promise two things - to protect the constitution of the United States of America and to protect the constitution of Florida," said Monk. "I believe he violated that oath by stripping people of their right to speak."

Monk waited until the time he was allotted was up before stepping down.

“I felt like I couldn’t step down because a lot of people have fought and died - not just soldiers but Dr. King and others. Those people fought and died in our country so we have the right to speak what we believe,” Monk said.

The video of Monk’s conflict is causing a big stir and has divided members of the council.

Councilman Larry Johnson supports Hall’s decision. He said he felt that the people escorted out were making personal accusations against the council.

“Everyone has the right to express themselves and we’re not trying to take that away. As long as they do it with respect and in the right way, there’s not problem,” said Johnson.

Hall released a statement late Monday afternoon, in which he said he may have been "hasty" in declaring Monk out of order. You can read the entire statement here .

Councilwoman Sherri Myers supports Monk and even walked out of the meeting.

“It is not acceptable to me and I will not tolerate it. I will speak out against it to ensure and do everything I can as long as I’m on that council, even if I’m not on the council, to protect our citizen’s rights,” Myers said.

The local AFL-CIO of Pensacola  released the following letter , asking for an apology from the council.

You can see the entire video of Father Monk at the city council meeting here .