[TexasFreeper2009]

ok... I guess I didn't make myself very clear.

Would you want your neighbor to turn his home into a homeless shelter? or how about a truck stop? or maybe a convenience store? I mean it's private property right? he can do what ever he wishes right? Maybe he can turn his front lawn into a outdoor bazaar everyday... I mean heck ! it's HIS property right? what do your thoughts matter!

Because that is why certain areas are zoned residential, because you don't want someone turning their house next to you into a toxic waste disposal site or anything else offensive.

I know... your gonna say... but it's just a bible study...

Ok... so it would be ok if 100 people showed up 12 hours a day for that “bible study” ? what if they set up a stage in their back yard and started playing praise band music at 200 db. most of the night?

[mware]

The ADF argues such bans violate the Constitution's free-exercise clause, and even the state's Free Exercise of Religion Act protects such meetings.

Further, the restrictions imposed by the city violate the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which grants significant authority for churches to pursue their ministry goals.

Finally, Blomberg said, "the First Amendment's free-speech clause prevents the town from stopping the church from holding its meetings on the public sidewalk outside the pastor's home, yet the town won't allow him to hold the same meetings just a few feet away in the privacy of his own living room."

Not to mention Freedom to Assemble.

[Colonel_Flagg]

what if they set up a stage in their back yard and started playing praise band music at 200 db. most of the night?

That would be cruel and unusual punishment. Only hymns should be played that loud. :)

From the "Community Vision" at the top of the city's website:

Gilbert is a Town that flourishes as a forward-looking, family-oriented community with a small town atmosphere. Gilbert has the resources and desire to grow and develop as a quality community. Its well-educated, concerned residents want to manage the future.

Okay, Gilbert. If this story is true, it's time to prove you mean what you say about being a family-oriented community.

[Girlene]

Would you want your neighbor to turn his home into a homeless shelter? or how about a truck stop? or maybe a convenience store? I mean it's private property right? he can do what ever he wishes right? Maybe he can turn his front lawn into a outdoor bazaar everyday... I mean heck ! it's HIS property right? what do your thoughts matter!

LOL, here's what the town allegedly said:

........."The town interprets its law so that "churches within its borders cannot have any home meetings of any size, including Bible studies, three-person church leadership meetings and potluck dinners," ADF said. "..........

Potluck dinners???!!!!!

[bcsco]

You’re not making any sense. A Bible study group is as far from a shelter, convenience store, truck stop, or any of the other examples you give, as possible. If you want proper comparisons, try quilting club, poker party, Super Bowl party, family cookout. How about garage sale...which is in particular response to your example of ‘outdoor bazaar’.

This not only falls under the ‘freedom of Religion’ portion of the first amendment, it falls within the ‘freedom to assemble’ part as well.

Your examples are so outlandish, you seem to have a problem with people assembling peaceably. I don’t know why, nor do I care. But you clearly come across as a very private individual who is comfortable with ridiculous laws that protect you from you’re own warped idea of infringement. I’m beginning to wonder if you live in Gilbert, AZ next door to this particular Bible study group...

[healy61]

I smell a DU skunk toting a strawman around.

[stephenjohnbanker]

“Would you want your neighbor to turn his home into a homeless shelter? or how about a truck stop? or maybe a convenience store? “

These are all BUSINESSES, and fall under business zoning laws. Try again.

[Popman]

All your examples are completely bogus.

Those examples are the reason for residential zoning laws.

Clearly this ordinance is a double standard. If a Boy Scout or Monday Night Football can have a weekly event and meet in a house certainly a invited guests can meet for worship.

Private property rights are exactly that, for use on your private property. A homeless shelter, truck stop, outdoor bazaar, toxic waste disposal site, sex club fall under "public" property use where the "public" need access.

[ohioman]

Give me a break. It was only three people. These people should meet anyway and tell the town to go to hell!