Woman in Phallic Costume Arrested at Alabama Protest

Police say the costume violated public decency laws, but the protester's attorney argues it was protected free speech.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes in vibrant colors representing a person in an inflatable phallic costume, conveying the tension and energy of the protest confrontation.A fractured, avant-garde painting captures the chaotic confrontation between a protester in an unconventional costume and law enforcement over the limits of free speech.Fairhope Today

A 62-year-old woman named Renea Gamble was arrested at a 'No Kings' protest in Fairhope, Alabama for wearing an inflatable phallic costume that police deemed offensive in a public setting. Gamble's attorney argued her right to wear the costume was protected free speech, but police charged her with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and giving a false name.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters over the limits of free speech and public decency. It raises questions about how far constitutional protections extend when it comes to controversial or offensive forms of political expression.

The details

Police bodycam footage showed the officer, Col. Andrew Babb, asking Gamble to remove the costume, which he said was inappropriate for a 'family town.' When she refused, he grabbed her and threw her to the ground, leading to the charges. Gamble's attorney argued her costume was a valid form of protest against the president, but police said it violated a city ordinance against disturbing the peace.

  • The incident occurred on October 20, 2025 during a 'No Kings' protest in Fairhope, Alabama.
  • Gamble was arrested and charged at the scene.

The players

Renea Gamble

A 62-year-old grandmother who was arrested for wearing an inflatable phallic costume to a 'No Kings' protest in Fairhope, Alabama.

Col. Andrew Babb

A police officer with the Fairhope Police Department who arrested Gamble for refusing to remove her costume, which he deemed offensive in a public setting.

David Gespass

Gamble's attorney, who argued her right to wear the costume was protected free speech under the Constitution.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to sit here and argue with you. If my kids had to come by and see this, how would you explain it to them?”

— Col. Andrew Babb, Police Officer

“This is a family town, and I'm not going to have somebody out here dressed like this. You understand?”

— Col. Andrew Babb, Police Officer

“My only concern about people exercising their First Amendment rights is authorities violating them. That is why the National Lawyers Guild has its legal observer program.”

— David Gespass, Gamble's Attorney

What’s next

Gamble is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on the charges against her. Her attorney has argued the arrest violated her constitutional rights, and it remains to be seen how the case will be resolved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate over the limits of free speech and public decency, as well as the tensions that can arise between law enforcement and protesters exercising their First Amendment rights. It raises important questions about how far constitutional protections extend when it comes to controversial forms of political expression.