Calf. County Demands permit to have Bible Study

A couple in San Diego holds a weekly bible study in their home, about 15 people every Thursday night On Good Friday a county employee knocked on their door and asked "Do you have a regular weekly meeting in your home? Do you sing? Do you say 'amen'?" the official reportedly asked. "Do you say, 'Praise the Lord'?"

The answer was yes.

The county employee told them to stop holding "religious assemblies" until they obtain a "Major Use Permit" from the county, a permit that often involves traffic and environmental studies, compliance with parking and sidewalk regulations and costs that top tens of thousands of dollars. And if they fail to pay for the MUP, the county official reportedly warned, the couple will be charged escalating fines beginning at $100, then $200, $500, $1000, "and then it will get ugly."

Talk about trashing the first amendment, which states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

This violates the free exercise of religion clause, and the right of the people peaceably to assemble.

Having people show up for bible study once a week is no worse than having the same people show up once a week to watch Monday Night Football, and should be no business of the government. How is saying 'Praise the Lord' or 'Amen' make it require a permit where cheering for a touchdown doesn't?