WHAT HEELS: Freedom Of Religion Isn’t Free In San Diego County
After learning that a local pastor and his wife hold bible study meetings in their home at which 15 people attend on average, a San Diego County official sent them a written warning about "unlawful use of land" and notified them that they had the choice to "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," reports KGTV (Channel 10-San Diego).
Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy, who is representing the couple, tells KGTV bible study is not the only type of private gathering that can be affected:
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 plans to give the county a demand letter that forcing the couple to obtain the permit – which can cost several thousand dollars – violates their First Amendment right to freely exercise their religion. If the county doesn’t back down, they may sue in federal court.
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