So, what happened to our right to assemble and to practice our religion? I think this clerk needs a remedial course on the Constitution.
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.
If people can assemble in their weekly for other things, why not a Bible study? This is pure discrimination and I’m surprised that given the downturn in the economy and the reduction of tax revenue, the county would risk a lawsuit.
BTW, I know I’m late to the story but I’ve been a little busy graduating 
posted May 29, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I think home businesses who have clients coming in run into this also. It probably depends on whether the neighbors complain.
I frequented a faith-sharing group at a home in Hamilton … and on some mornings there could be five or more cars parked on the narrow neighborhood street. I was always a little self-conscious about how we parked.
Just because we were gathering for a good reason don’t grant us permission to be thoughtless to others on the block, including delivery and sanitation services.
This couple probably just has to widen their driveway, if possible, to get cars off the street. One-shot parties or celebrations at home … or the odd poker game … aren’t regular enough to warrant regulation.
posted May 29, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Oh, and of course, read iMonk’s take.
posted May 29, 2009 at 1:24 pm
It seems that the parking issue was what triggered this. Some neighbors were complaining about the number of cars parking in the street every week. While the county official’s words may have been poorly chosen, the attempt by the county to keep streets open, especially in a cul-de-sac, would seem to have some merit. Of course, the rabid right wingers who are planning an assault on the county (even suggesting sniper positions) seem to have missed comment by our resident blogger here. Apparently threatening to kill county officials merits no comment from her.
tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=73491
“Meanwhile bloggers have gone ballistic.
One is suggesting a major attack on San Diego County to the point where a checklist is posted.
The checklist suggests county radio frequencies could be jammed, county officials homes attacked and even suggests scouting locations for snipers.”
posted May 29, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Maybe a bit less inflammatory take on the matter…
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/whats-really-going-on-in-san-diego
posted May 29, 2009 at 1:29 pm
“Meanwhile bloggers have gone ballistic.
One is suggesting a major attack on San Diego County to the point where a checklist is posted.
The checklist suggests county radio frequencies could be jammed, county officials homes attacked and even suggests scouting locations for snipers.”
But isn’t that both the privilege and the duty of God’s elect?
posted May 29, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Some years ago, I was attending a campaign rally for late Texas governor Ann Richards, who was very pro-choice. A group of Christians held up signs blocking the cameras and anyone else from seeing her. They were removed by police and immediately gave interviews claiming they were being persecuted.
A few weeks later I attended another rally, and a different group of pro-lifers stood at the back of the rally holding up signs that could be read by Governor Richards, but not very many other people. I went over and thanked them for being polite and considerate of our rights to meet. They seemed floored that a pro-choice Democrat would greet them, and invited me to their church. I went. A year later, I joined.
And I’m still pro-choice (but because I don’t think government has the wisdom to make that decision in every instance). But be nice to people, and the unexpected may happen. Of course, one can always claim woeful persecution. That is easier.
posted May 29, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Moonshadow thanks for the link. We have seen this story take on a life of its own and blown out of portion. I think we all agree the government has no right inferring with what we do legally in our homes, but they do when it comes to public streets. This story seems more of a nuisance parking issue than a religious assembly issue. I guess I would like to see the section of county code that was actually violated. Apparently, one of the bible study participants hit a neighbor’s visitor’s car due to the amount of vehicles parked on the street. I think those involved are perhaps using their 15 minutes to claim title to victim and in turn makes it difficult for accepting credible future issues involving Christians. We as Christians need to get a grip. There are too many places in the world where people truly cannot hold religious activities anywhere and we need to be cognizant of how wonderful our country is in that we have that freedom.
posted May 29, 2009 at 7:48 pm
They seemed floored that a pro-choice Democrat would greet them, and invited me to their church. I went. A year later, I joined.
Great story, I like it.