Free speech advocates are celebrating a win for religious expression after a judge threw out a criminal threatening case filed against a Somersworth man who posted a sign on a progressive church’s door.

The facts in the case were never in dispute.

A little before 4 a.m. on June 20 last year, Isaac Santiago, 50, posted a sign on the door of First Parish Church in Dover, a progressive congregation that prominently displays pro-LGBTQ images.

“Jesus is coming soon! The devil deceived you! God will never except [sic] LGBTQ. Be saved today, or you will perish in your sins! Repent and believe!” the sign read. Santiago didn’t attempt to enter the church, damage property, or confront any parishioners.

The dispute arose when prosecutors treated Santiago’s message as a criminal threat and attempt

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