Well, ok, maybe that headline is a little over the top…you be the judge. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports on an area couple cited by county authorities for holding what was deemed to be religious services in their home without the proper zoning permit.
The officer told Mary Jones that if the couple don't immediately stop holding “religious assemblies”, they could face escalating fines of $100, $200, $500, and $1,000, according to the Joneses' attorney.
Dean R. Broyles with the Western Center for Law & Policy, which is representing the couple, said the county's citation violates the Joneses'“First Amendment Right to freely exercise their religion.”
In addition, Broyles argues that Bible study does not constitute religious assembly under the county's land use regulations, which refer to religious assembly as religious services at synagogues, temples and churches.
According to the OneNewsNow story, Broyles claims that "the county official asked the pastor if they hosted a regular weekly meeting in their home, and if they prayed and said 'Amen' and 'Praise the Lord' at those meetings." After the answers came back yes, a citation was issued. You can see it here.
