Two of three anti-war activists were arrested Tuesday afternoon in a peaceful anti-war demonstration inside U.S. Senator John Kerry’s office.

The three protesters, members of the Massachusetts Green-Rainbow Party, demanded that Kerry sign Senate Resolution 32, Senator Edward Kennedy’s resolution requiring congressional approval before a war on Iraq, according to participant Patrick Keaney, 33, of Brighton, who was arrested.

‘We were dissatisfied with John Kerry’s leadership,’ Keaney said.

According to Keaney, Kerry gives public impassioned speeches against military force in Iraq, yet votes to support war in the Senate.

When the three activists arrived at Senator Kerry’s office, they were welcomed by his office workers, according to Keaney. Aides said they respect the activists’ rights and even admired their actions, he said.

After a couple hours, however, aides made it clear they did not want the public to hear about this demonstration, Keaney said. First avoiding police action, they said they would stay with the protesters, but they could not use the restroom. If they left the room, they would be locked out and unable to return.

‘A battle of will quickly became a battle of bladders,’ Keaney said.

But Keaney began calling reporters, using his cell phone ‘as a conduit to the outside world,’ he said. Once office workers realized the potential publicity, they decided to put an end to it by arresting the two of them, Keaney said.

Keaney was arrested, along with another activist, Matthew Osborn, 24, of Brookline. The third activist, Michael Gainer, 28, of Boston, used the restroom at one point and was locked out, although he participated for much of the time.

Keaney said he was prepared to be arrested, and the sit-in achieved its goal of raising public awareness about the war and how strongly people are opposed to it.

‘The current political climate should take every opportunity to hold back President Bush, who is eager for war and will use it as a first resort,’ Keaney said.

They ‘showed Senator John Kerry’s true position to back the war against what is politically expedient,’ he said.

‘Every possible option should be pursued and we’re morally opposed to the use of force,’ Keaney said.

Keaney said he encourages others to take action in supporting their beliefs.

‘Those people who oppose war really need to take the opportunity to commit civil disobedience if they feel compelled by their conscience to do so,’ Keaney said.

Senator Kerry’s office could not be reached for comment regarding the protest.