| Homeowners
Association Targets Religious Signs on Homes ReligionToday
Feb. 8, 2002 When Ivy Raschke once faced homelessness, she made a promise to God that if she ever became lucky enough to own a home again, she would post a sign "in His honor" on it that stipulated it was a "house of prayer." So, in 1999, when she inherited her parents' home in Oak Forest, she kept her promise, according to the Houston Chronicle. Her son, Derek Roberts, bought a house next to hers, and her daughter, Sacha Fullelove, a few houses distant from her, did likewise...and then they were brought before a court judge for "breaching deed restrictions prohibiting any advertising and placards other than for the home's sale or rental. Raschke and Roberts, representing themselves, argued that Houston's city code exempts religious signs from permit requirements. State District Judge P. K. Reiter questioned "whether the exemption would apply to deed restrictions." Raschke's banner was from Somebody Cares Houston, as was Roberts - although his measured six to eight feet wide and several feet tall, containing a message and phone number. Replacement signs now measure 18 inches by 28 inches. Reiter will give his ruling by Feb. 13. More on article Religious Symbols Not Allowed on Family-Painted Tiles in School ReligionToday January 29, 2002 Following the Columbine high school shootings in 1999, school officials said a tile project was started, but that the families "couldn't paint religious symbols, the names or initials of any of the slain students, the date of the attack, or other references to the shootings," as reported by Scripps Howard News Service report and Knox Studio. Differences of opinion on why some tiles were not allowed to be used have resulted in a case coming up in the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Feb. 1. The families argue that "other religious-themed exhibits inside the school were allowed" including a poster, "God wept over Columbine this day, April 20, 1999." The school officials say that considering the mental health issues facing the students and "that Columbine...be a school...rather than a memorial" was the basis for their stand. The families' lawyers contend that the school has allowed numerous religious and non-religious memorials to be set up, including a plaque, "In honor of those that lost their lives or those that had their lives changed forever on April 20." For the complete story Massachusetts City Returns "Religious" Bricks to Sidewalk ReligionToday May 10, 2001 The Associated Press reports that the city of Newburyport, Mass., has reinstalled two commemorative bricks it removed because they contained religious messages, following a settlement with a conservative law group. The bricks, which were placed in a sidewalk in the city's Woodman Park as part of a fund-raising effort, were inscribed with the messages "Jesus Loves You" and "For All the Unborn Children." The city, about 30 miles north of Boston, removed the bricks last September following complaints from some residents. But the two residents who paid for the bricks contended that the city violated their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and speech by removing them. With help from the American Center for Law and Justice, they sued in U.S. District Court in Boston in January. As part of an agreement signed May 7, city officials posted a sign near the path that reads: "The inscriptions on the bricks on this walkway were paid for through private donations. The inscriptions do not represent the views of the city of Newburyport or its officials." To read the rest of this story, go to: Religion Today In God We Trust' Law Stirs Controversy ReligionToday March 29, 2001 The Mississippi state legislature has passed a new law, without opposition, requiring a sign reading, "In God We Trust" to be posted in every school classroom, cafeteria and auditorium, and Gov. Ronnie Musgrove signed it. However, Mississippi American Civil Liberties Union board member Jane Hicks contends the law violates the U.S. Constitution. "In God We Trust" is clearly "an endorsement of religion - and the First Amendment forbids that," she said. "It particularly violates the principle that government cannot favor or sponsor religion." "The signs will come at no expense to the schools. The Christian-based American Family Association is making 32,000 copies available, and local groups will be providing them to the schools," explained the group's president, the Rev. Donald Wildmon. He added that putting up such plaques "has never been declared illegal ... The ACLU has threatened to sue, and our law center will defend it if the state wants us to ... We're in bad shape when you can't post the official motto of the United States," Wildmon said. From Tupelo, Mississippi, March 26, 2001 Court Rules Cleveland School Voucher Program Unconstitional ReligionToday Dec. 13, 2000 A federal court ruled that a Cleveland school voucher program is unconstitutional because it allows government funds to go to religious schools. A panel of three judges of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati noted that 96 percent of the 4,000 voucher recipients in Cleveland chose to attend religious schools, according to The Washington Post. Read Article "State Sponsors display of Ten Commandments" ReligionToday July 10, 2000 A
state-sponsored display featuring the Ten Commandments went up in
Orange County (Indiana) this week. About 300 people gathered to
celebrate the unveiling of a monument at the county courthouse that
features the Biblical laws alongside the Declaration of Independence
and the Bill of Rights, The Associated
Press reported. Courts have ruled against allowing the commandments
on state-owned property, but have allowed them when they are displayed
alongside other historical documents. ..."We wanted to set the tone
for the rest of the nation," said State Rep. Jerry Denbo, who sponsored
legislation allowing the display. The crowd sang "God Bless America"
and listened as Scripture was read from the courthouse steps prior
to the unveiling of the monument at midnight July 1, the day the
law went into effect. "You talk about being moved. Those people
were really full of spirit - they were just so excited that it was
happening," County Commissioner Charles Hall said. "School Board votes to post- In God We Trust" ReligionToday July 7, 2000 Colorado public schools should post "In God we trust" on their walls, the state Board of Education says. The board voted 5-1 on July 6 to pass a non-binding resolution that encourages "the appropriate display" of the national motto in schools and other public buildings, news reports said. ..."How long can we remain a free nation if our youth don't have civic virtue?" asked board chairman Clair Orr, according to The Associated Press . "The words we pass on to our young can shape our destiny." Orr began the board meeting with a brief prayer. ...This year, the Colorado Legislature refused to require schools to post the Ten Commandments, the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayers at high school football games, and a federal appeals court ruled that Ohio's motto, "With God, all things are possible," a quote from the New Testament, is unconstitutional. ...Congress approved "In God we trust" for the nation's currency in 1864 after a request from a member of the clergy, according to the AP. The Supreme Court has never decided a direct challenge to the motto. Minister Wins Right to pray on Capitol Hill ReligionToday April 6, 2000 A minister won the right to lead people in prayer at the U.S. Capitol. Pierre Bynum, associate pastor of Waldorf Christian Assembly in Charles County, Md., filed a federal lawsuit after Capitol Police threatened to arrest him (see link #1 below) in November 1996 in the Capitol Rotunda for conducting a self-guided "prayer tour" of the building, saying his group of eight people was staging an illegal, disruptive demonstration, news reports said. ...Bynum was not staging a demonstration Read Article U.S. Congress members face an agenda that includes abortion and assisted suicide. ReligionToday Jan. 25, 2000 The Congress, which reconvened Jan. 24 after a winter recess, will consider final passage of a bill that would ban partial-birth abortion, but it is unlikely to override an expected veto from President Clinton. Also, the Senate is considering a bill, passed by the House, that would give a fetus rights.. Seminars by Mr. Hoy : Wills & Trusts; Estate Planning Top of page |
ACLU
Wants 'Jesus Is Lord' Signs Removed from Louisiana Town
ReligionToday Feb. 1, 2002 AP is reporting that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday demanding that a southeastern Louisiana town remove signs that read: "Jesus is Lord over Franklinton." According to the AP report, ACLU officials said public money was used to put up the signs on state roads, violating the constitutional separation of church and state. "Can you imagine the hostility that Jews, Muslims, members of other minority faiths and non-believers must feel when living in or passing through that community?" asked Linton Carney. AP said he has no religious affiliation. The lawsuit names the town, its mayor and surrounding Washington Parish as defendants. Mayor Earle Brown denied any knowledge of the signs. Parish President M.E. Taylor, however, admitted that area churches paid for the signs and parish road crews erected them. Taylor said they will be removed if judged illegal, the report stated. > U.S. Congressman Chris Smith to Receive Wilberforce Award Since 1987, Prison Fellowship has annually bestowed the William Wilberforce Award on an individual who has made a difference in the face of formidable societal problems and injustices. This year, Chuck Colson, chairman of Prison Fellowship will present it to U.S. Congressman Christopher Smith. According to a PF press release, the award is given in honor of William Wilberforce, an 18th century British parliamentarian who stood against his party in his campaign to abolish the slave trade. "In his 22 years of service as a U.S. Congressman, Christopher Smith has led high profile, often controversial, legislative crusades for human rights, both nationally and around the world," the press release stated. The Washington Post has called Smith a "hero" in the human rights field, "always ready to take up the cause of foreign political prisoners, child laborers or those who suffer religious persecution," including Christians in China. During his years of public service, said PF, Smith has internationally championed the cause of victims of torture and cruelty. His work includes supporting an international ban on land mines, sponsoring a law to crack down on sex-trafficking at home and abroad, establishing a congressional caucus to give a voice to children afflicted with autism, and fighting for legislation to stop U.S. support for international aid programs promoting abortion. Village
of Oak Park violated the Free Speech Clause
September 21, 2001
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled yesterday
that the Village of Oak Park violated the Free Speech Clause by
denying access to meeting space in its Village Hall to residents
desiring to observe the National Day of Prayer. After certain
Village residents used Village Hall for the NDP in the mid-'90's,
the Village adopted a policy calculated to exclude them in future
years. Illinois Votes To Ban Discrimination Against Gays ReligionToday April 3, 2001 Christmas Lights & Trees banned ReligionToday Dec. 8, 2000 Some public officials appear to be trying to upstage the Christmas grinch. Parents who put up holiday lights at Mariners Elementary School in Newport Beach, Calif., had to take them down after a warning from the school board president, the Los Angeles Times reported. Read Article The Internal Revenue Service has issued an election-year warning to churches. ReligionToday July 7, 2000 The agency reminded churches and other tax-exempt organizations that they are not allowed to engage in political activities that encourage support for or opposition to any candidates. ...The groups "cannot endorse any candidates, make donations to their campaigns, engage in fund raising, distribute statements or become involved in any other activities that may be beneficial or detrimental to any candidate," an IRS statement said. The organizations involved are exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Baptist Homes fire lesbian ReligionToday July 10, 2000 A home for abused and neglected children can continue its work after all. Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children reached a new two-year contract with the state of Kentucky after the governor stepped in to break an impasse. That means 300 children will not have to be moved, news reports said. ...The dispute arose after Baptist Homes fired a lesbian social worker in 1998. In the contract, Kentucky Baptist Homes indemnifies the state against losses it might sustain if she wins a pending lawsuit, KBH Vice President Tom Townsend told Religion Today. Kentucky Baptist Homes agreed to the contract last week after it was assured by Gov. Paul Patton that the state will not penalize it for refusing to employ homosexuals, The Courier-Journal of Louisville reported. ...Kentucky Baptist Homes "will continue its current hiring practices and emphasis on traditional family values," President Bill Smithwick said. Kentucky Baptist Homes is the state's largest child-care provider, operating eight residential facilities and foster care as well as 22 outpatient Christian counseling centers, pregnancy counseling, and adoption programs. Victory for National Day of Prayer April 24, 2000 Religion Today Read Article United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has a new Internet site ReligionToday February 10, 2000 The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has a new Internet site for people in the U.S. government's efforts to end religious persecution abroad and promote international religious freedom. It features an archive of commission press releases; frequently asked questions; the State Department's first country-by-country Report on International Religious Freedom... Religion isn't 'educational' By The Editors January 22, 2000 World Magazine Volume 15; Number 3 January 8, 2000 World Magazine Volume 15; Number 1 Benchmarks: The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, covering Western states, ruled that landlords with religious scruples may refuse to rent to unmarried couples. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that student prayers at graduation ceremonies were OK, but not at football games because they are not "solemn events." The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, reversing its earlier judgment, ruled that the Cleveland Board of Education's practice of opening its meetings with prayers is unconstitutional. Reprinted with permission by
World Magazine
Education: A "turning point" for school choice By The Editors January 8, 2000 World Magazine Volume 15; Number 1 Voucher programs survived legal challenges in 1999 to flourish in 69 cities; Seventy bills limiting abortion and 57 increasing abortion rights were passed last year in the United States ReligionToday January 24, 2000 Law Offices of David E. Hoy Read about David E. Hoy, Esq. Bio page. Ask the Lawyer Legal Resources |
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