Posted on 05/28/2009 9:03:23 PM PDT by restornu
SAN DIEGO -- A local pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold Bible studies in their home, 10News reported.
Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy was shocked with what happened to the pastor and his wife.
Broyles said, "The county asked, 'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.' 'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.' 'Do you pray?' 'Yes.' 'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.'"
The county employee notified the couple that the small Bible study, with an average of 15 people attending, was in violation of County regulations, according to Broyles.
Broyles said a few days later the couple received a written warning that listed "unlawful use of land" and told them to "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit" -- a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
"For churches and religious assemblies there's big parking concerns, there's environmental impact concerns when you have hundreds or thousands of people gathering. But this is a different situation, and we believe that the application of the religious assembly principles to this Bible study is certainly misplaced," said Broyles.
News of the case has rapidly spread across Internet blogs and has spurred various reactions.
Broyles said his clients have asked to stay anonymous until they give the county a demand letter that states by enforcing this regulation the county is violating their First Amendment right to freely exercise their religion.
Broyles also said this case has broader implications.
"If the county thinks they can shut down groups of 10 or 15 Christians meeting in a home, what about people who meet regularly at home for poker night? What about people who meet for Tupperware parties? What about people who are meeting to watch baseball games on a regular basis and support the Chargers?" Broyles asked.
Broyles and his clients plan to give the County their demand letter this week.
If the County refuses to release the pastor and his wife from obtaining the permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.
Now this is a disturbing story. I have been very critical of the Church for its history of refusing to confront modern liberalism and for its complacency regarding the culture war. perhaps episodes like this will light a fire under the Church and inspire Christians to be more active in this culture war.
Is there not a guaranteed right to peaceful public assembly? Let a lone private assembly in the constitution?
What the deal is, Is Ca is BROKE and they are looking to any means of revenue. Rights be damned
Gulp - We do this, altho in LA, not SD. So did the authorities find out? Ours are with family and a few friends.
Sorry - should be “how did the authorities find out”?
Wow.
I have family in California, but it’s really becoming a toilet, isn’t it?
Can they continue to have the meetings and simply not talk to police?
The local brown shirts.
In Riverside Co they are so broke the cops are going door to door looking for zoning violations
Nanny Pelosi said today that we “must have a complete inventory of or lives in order to save the planet from global warming”
This is code speak to say “Ve Vill Monitor ALL! Und levy tax acoordingly!
If revenue is the only reason, it's foolish. This is a blatant violation of their 1st Amendment rights and CA stands to lose a lot more money through a lawsuit then it would gain.
I suspect a more sinister motive.
The motives are linked.
Everything is urgent now! There is no time to think.
Seriously, The Local and fed gov are looking for thing to tax.
Seat belt off in a 25 zone? $250! no questions asked.
I happen to read the scroller on FoxNews I don’t think any one heard it on their media outlets
Bet a lot of things are going on with our rights that we don’t know about.
When did that come from unlawful use of land?
Their mistake was agreeing to speak with the civil service putz without an attorney and a warrant.
They dont care about rights. They are looking for revenue.
Here in Tx it costs you a packet to drive in a 25 MPH without a seat belt, as an Adult..Alone.. Bicycles are whizzing by, and your getting a ticket! Illegal aliens have kids in the back of pick ups on the highway at 75 mph and thats cool.
These people are just pumping people of means for cash
Unless they are collecting money, I don’t see how they could possibly claim this falls under zoning regulations as a church. I hopw they sue not the county but the officials personally. Put the fear of God into these petty tyrants, so to speak.
I think some of the problems are the various cars taking up parking spaces vs the people who live around this home wanting to park their cars. Also one of the cars from the study hit a car of one of the residents.
Not saying the study group does not have a right to gather but may be two sides to this.
Keep an Eye on Unlawful Use of Land
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2260320/posts?page=1
After reading this article I was just wondering if this is what in store for us?
So I Google “unlawful use of land”
Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2260295/posts
Broyles said a few days later the couple received a written warning that listed “unlawful use of land” and told them to “stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit” — a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The FEMA Gulag (yes,no who knows?)
http://users.rcn.com/zap.dnai/regions.html
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either there is something missing or we are further gone than even i can imagine.
I am hoping for the former.
People are voting convenience over liberty. and they dont see the trap of turning in a citizen for revenue
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