So I had no attention of talking about religion again. However, on my home Friday I hear on WFRN (the local Christian station in my town) about a pastor who received a written warning that cited “unlawful use of land,” ordering them to either “stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit." What were they doing, you ask? Having a dinner and small bible study in the pastor's home. The radio reported 15 people were attendance. It's not like they was a huge crowd, making noise, blocking traffic. They also were not preaching or forcing others to listen to their viewpoints. It was a small peaceful gathering on private property.
The station brought up the point of why the bible study? They didn't break up the scout meeting down the street or the sewing circle across town. What really got me was that I was on my home from getting supplies for my daughters b-day party. We were expecting at least 15 people. Were we going to get ordered to shut down.
No...the only reason they were ordered to shut down was because they were studying the bible and talking about God. The government officical who ordered the citation and remains anonymous is ordering them to shut down or file for a permit that costs thousands of dollars. In other words, if this guy (or girl) had it his way, we would all have to have permit to pray or read the bible. So now we have to carry our driver's license, credit cards, student ID's and our prayer card with us.
To read more on this issue check out this link. http://www.therealestatebloggers.com/2009/05/29/zoning-laws-run-amok-home-bible-study-banned-without-permit-in-san-diego/
Amber,
ReplyDeleteThe city of San Diego is going against the first part of the First Amendment. It says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." If the federal government cannot do this, then certainly the city of San Diego cannot do this either.
Roger Barnes
There must be an old law on the books about religious gatherings.
ReplyDeleteSomeone needs to step in and get this changed. If someone does not step in it will happen again. This totally goes against the First Amendment, it should be an open and shut case if the group decides to fight it.
Sue, it reads to me more like a zoning issue in the hands of an over-zealous enforcement officer.
ReplyDeleteBut those concerned can rest easy. On May 30, 2009, the Union-Tribune reported that the county was backing down and investigating the officer's actions.
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/30/1n30bible00100-county-wont-force-permit-bible-stud/