PHILADELPHIA—A federal appeals court says Philadelphia police were justified in directing protesters to move when they disrupted a gay street festival in 2004.

A three-judge panel ruled July 15 that anti-gay activists had a First Amendment right to demonstrate. But the judges say they didn’t have a right to disrupt speakers at the 2004 OutFest event.

Eleven protesters affiliated with Repent America filed a lawsuit challenging their arrests when they disobeyed police orders to move. Repent America founder Michael Marcavage said the group tried to convey its message but was not disruptive.

The appeals court says a video shows the group tried to drown out speakers at the event. The judges say the right of free speech does not encompass the right to cause disruption.