An evangelical Christian assaulted by onlookers who took offense to his sign calling for an end to homosexuality was "properly convicted" of a criminal offense, Britain's High Court has ruled.

Defenders of the late Harry Hammond, 69, argued Tuesday the April 2002 conviction interfered with his freedom of religion and right to free expression, the London Telegraph reported.

But the two-judge panel said Hammond's behavior "went beyond legitimate protest."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=36602