A panel of the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Thursday rejected
an effort by American Atheists to have a Detroit, Michigan program
that repaired downtown churches declared unconstitutional.
Not good news by any means, because now about 700K of government money will go to refurbish churches.
The issue before us now is whether we will appeal. On this, we are still considering options.
We have a lot on our plate now, and a lot more coming. Kentucky will have a Motion to Dismiss answer for us soon, and we want to know the answer to that before any decision is made on Detroit. With limited funds and manpower, where can we do the most for this country and the separation of church and state? The jury’s still out.
Stay tuned on this issue, and check out our Legal Policy
Richard Dawkins’ newest book will be released on September 29, 2009. The book, The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. The list price of the book is $30, but if you order now, you can get it for $19.80.
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.
That’s right, a house can’t be used as a church. It’s against zoning laws.
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.’”
Does anyone actually believe this conversation happened? I’m thinking it’s at least a partial lie. When was the last time a nonChristian said “Do you praise the Lord”?
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.
Right. That’s the law. Same as everyone else.
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.
10-15 cars parked on my street every Sunday morning affects neighbors a lot more than a 1-time tupperware party. Come on. The law is the law, and this couple is simply trying to use religion to shield themselves from breaking it. They want to avoid paying their fees. They want, essentially, a free ride at the expense of their neighbors because they are Christian.
But business is business, and this pastor needs a permit just like everyone else. THIS IS THE REASON THERE ARE ZONING LAWS! Businesses in residential townships hurt property values and create burden for the neighbors by increasing noise and traffic. Somehow, this is not addressed in the article.
This isn’t a “they won’t let me pray” thing, it’s a “they won’t let me treat my residence like it’s zoned for commercial use” thing. This whole persecution thing is so old. Just obey the damn laws.
OK. I need to admit it probably was very smart of Broun (or Fox) to back out of having me oppose him on Fox and Friends. I would have ripped him to shreds. Really.
One might watch this video and ask “how can a man in Congress be so ignorant”? He’s not. He’s desperate.
This same movement which once drew hundreds of supporters in Congress now can only find 15 sponsors. The Religious Right is literally begging for attention.
It’s the same old stuff. The government was based on the Bible because some of the founding fathers owned a bible and some even read it, and if we say it over and over again it becomes true, and if you’re not on our side you’re against the Bible and Jesus and of COURSE America itself.
So let’s set the record straight. Nowhere in the Bible is there democracy, trial by jury, Habeas Corpus, or freedom of religion (the latter is specifically forbidden). Of the Ten Commandments, only four are US law (killing, stealing, lying and adultery –the last two I’m being generous), and all four of those are also laws in countries based on other religions or none at all.
Indeed, “Coveting” is the basis for capitalism and it’s a big Thou Shalt NOT in the Holy Book!
There IS slavery, genocide (LOTS of genocide), rape, incest, murder, and of course bigotry, all cast as positive things in the Bible, but no civil rights, or woman’s rights, or really anything at all that resembles America. Sorry.
If Broun is really interested in history, he’d be sponsoring a bill to make 2010 the year of the Bill of Rights (a damn good idea, come to think of it). He’s not, because he’s NOT really interested in history — he’s interested in pushing his religious agenda.
Broun is an endangered species. The last dinosaur. His own state is 12% non-religious — the 2nd-largest segment (more than Catholics). In the 21st century, we will see the end of preacher politicians, and watch as we elect representatives with knowledge of the country and actual PRIDE in the Constitution.
And yes, for the record, I openly challenge Mr. Braun to a debate on the subject, anytime, anywhere. Just don’t chicken out again.
