Unfortunately, yes I can. I do wonder if it had been any other type of gathering would the county have responded the same; or was it because it was a group of Christians gathered? The American Family Association ( afa.net ) has a petition for people to sign, which they will present to the San Diego Board of Supervisors. However, I don't know if it will have any bearing. LucyRicardo
Sad to say, I can believe it too, even though I can't! It's just so sad to see this kind of thing going on!
We were discussing this on another forum. It looks like it was probably a parking issue at heart and the result of a complaint about that from someone who didn't even live in the neighbourhood. Further, the religious aspect seems to be about the municipality fumbling around, trying to find out what codes were being violated (apparently different gatherings have different regulations or something?). Sounds like it's probably more complicated and less worrisome then Fox and CNN presented.
I would love to know why that law was ever put on the books in the first place. If it was over the parking I can understand it being a problem for emergency vehicles to get through the neighborhood, but if it isn't that, then why did they even need such a law?
It sounded to me like overenthusiastic county employees. The county does seem to be backpedeling. the "code enforcement officers" are not usually police...they are wannabe's. Around here it is a job that the blowhard busybodies want. I do think that if the original complaint was parking or even the vehicle damage...then that should have been addressed, nothing else. The line of questioning about saying amen or praise the lord???!!!! What was "he" thinking? Is this China, where homechurches are illegal? It is very disturbing...I don't think CNN nor Fox overdid it. You have to stamp on the government hard if they get out of line, because they think they can do whatever they want.
Something had to bring this on. I'm with everyone who thinks it was parking, or emergency access. I know we have a Catholic congregation here that got in trouble for their parking habits, and one officer reprimanded for not enforcing parking laws they violated.
Religious gatherings are more likely to run into trouble because they tend to be regular, as opposed to parties. If you have fairly large gatherings in your home for any reason, your neighbors may start complaining. City officials have to cope with that, but they should not have a right to ask you what you are doing in your home. If they do, people should refuse to answer. Specific inquiries about religious activities in your home are way out of line.
I saw today that San Diego county has w/drawn their no Bible study order. The couple will be allowed to continue w/ the Bible Studies in their homes w/out a permit.
