MOUNT VERNON — “There is a very serious issue in Knox County, and we want people to know about it,” said John Fowler, U.S. coordinator for Fathers4Justice. The issue, Fowler said, is equality for dads in domestic relations courts. He added there are issues with Common Pleas Judge Otho Eyster and Juvenile Probate Judge Jim Ronk.
Fathers4Justice staged a protest in front of the Knox County Courthouse for two hours Wednesday morning to let the judges know the group is watching. Group members displayed signs and banners, and used a bullhorn to be seen and heard by drivers passing by. The group came to Knox County because, Fowler said, “we have received several complaints from people on issues affecting fathers and child custody in divorce cases.”
In the coming weeks, Fowler said, Fathers4Justice will be reviewing Knox County court divorce records to monitor the courts rulings in divorce custody. The group does go into courtrooms when judges rule on custody cases. Fowler said three domestic relations courts in Columbus refused them admission, but the group filed grievances with the Ohio Supreme Court to get permission to attend. Recently, in Morrow County, Fowler said the mayor and police chief refused to let them demonstrate and distribute fliers. According to Fowler, a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union changed their minds and the group was able to demonstrate. Fathers4Justice is registered as a nonprofit organization; as a nonprofit, the group is allowed to demonstrate and pass out literature.
There are two major issues with custodial rulings, according to a pamphlet published by the group. In 37.9 percent of rulings, the father is denied any visitation. In 40 percent of cases, the mothers reported they had interfered with the father’s visitation rights to punish their ex-spouse.
The nonprofit group now has coordinators in 20 states. It raises money for the program by selling T-shirts and other items, and also receives money from contributions. Two of the demonstrators were dressed as Wonder Woman and Elmo, because, they said in support of their cause, they believe all parents are superheroes to their children.
