Not the way to do it -- from FOX News Radio:
Man Facing Jail For Hosting Home Bible Study
A Phoenix man has been sentenced to 60 days in jail after he refused to stop hosting Bible studies in the privacy of his home - in violation of the city's building code laws.
However, the Phoenix city prosecutor's office said the violations have nothing to do with religious freedom - and everything to do with public safety.
"It came down to zoning and proper permitting," said Vicki Hill, the chief assistant city prosecutor. "Any time you are holding a gathering of people continuously as he does - we have concerns about people being able to exit the facility properly in case there is a fire - and that's really all this comes down to."
According to court documents provided to Fox News Radio, Michael Salman was found guilty in the City of Phoenix Court of 67 code violations. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail along with three years probation and a $12,180 fine. He could be jailed as early as next week unless the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals grants an emergency injunction.
"They're cracking down on religious activities and religious use," Salman told Fox News Radio. "They're attacking what I as a Christian do in the privacy of my home."
"If I had people coming to my home on a regular basis for poker night or Monday Night Football, it would be permitted," he said. "But when someone says to us we are not allowed to gather because of religious purposes - that is when you have discrimination."
It will be interesting to see what the Ninth has to say -- they are very much for people's rights but they are also very liberal progressive and may be put of their feed because this is a religious freedom issue.
There are points to be made for both sides as he built a 2,000 sq. ft. garage and converted it to a meeting room with seating for 40 people and a pulpit. On the other hand, they own 4.5 acres of land so it's not like they are bothering the neighbors. I am siding with Salman.
