It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Bible study leader Michael Salman is sitting in jail today after his home was raided earlier this week by more than a dozen Phoenix, Ariz. police officers and city officials. His offense? The city says people aren’t allowed to hold private Bible studies on their own property
The Michael Salman court case is about building safety. Building and safety codes are in-place to protect the safety and welfare of all of our residents. Some of the relevant facts in this case include:
A house of worship is allowed in any zoning district in the City of Phoenix
The case is about the building that is used for regular assembly does not meet construction and fire code requirements for assembly
All houses of worship in the City of Phoenix must conform to the same codes
Due to the regular, reoccurring high vehicular traffic in this quiet residential neighborhood, neighbors repeatedly complained about the public assembly occurring on his property. Because of the multiple, reoccurring complaints, the City investigated the activity and discovered numerous building code violations primarily related to fire safety standards. Once apprised of these violations, the City could be held liable for not enforcing safety code requirements in the event anyone was injured on the premises. Prior to commencement of prosecution, Mr. Salman was asked, repeatedly, to comply with the safety codes of the City. He chose to ignore these requests for voluntary compliance prior to the commencement of any proceedings.
Below is a summary of the case from the City's Law Department, including quotes from the relevant court judgments.
Originally posted by Doalrite
So am I allowed to have my family over on christmas day and pull out the bible and have a bible study with my 30 or so family members?
Originally posted by LIGHTvsDARK
reply to post by Benevolent Heretic
Does your house meet city codes? Give us your address so we can come over and inspect your domicile.
Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
There were 96 city code violations. If there had been a fire, people would have likely been killed and the city would be held liable.
Originally posted by LIGHTvsDARK
Does your house meet city codes? Give us your address so we can come over and inspect your domicile.
Originally posted by LDragonFire
All of this in a red state of Arizona, how can they blame Obama or liberals for this? (Obama and liberals are the reason bad things happen) right?
Arizona republicans have been working overtime to limit rights of the people, yet another fine example.
Originally posted by NOTurTypical
reply to post by lonewolf19792000
How is this not a violation of the free exercise clause of the 2nd Amendment?
No, l I'm here to look BEHIND the sensational headlines and find out the other side of the story.