California: Orange County Couple Threatened With $500-Per-Meeting Fines For Home Bible Study…

Weasel Zippers  "An Orange County couple has been ordered to stop holding a Bible study in their home on the grounds that the meeting violates a city ordinance as a “church” and not as a private gathering.

"Homeowners Chuck and Stephanie Fromm, of San Juan Capistrano, were fined $300 earlier this month for holding what one city official called “a regular gathering of more than three people” that requires a conditional use permit, according to Pacific Justice Institute, the couple’s legal representation."

City demands Christians get permit for Bible study  "The newspaper said city records showed someone complained, however, and a code enforcement officer first gave them a verbal warning and then issued citations in May and June."
"“We don’t like lawsuits, but we have to stand up for what’s right. It’s not just a personal issue,” Stephanie Fromm told the newspaper. “Can you imagine anybody in any neighborhood, that one person can call and make it a living hell for someone else? That’s wrong … and it’s just sad.”"
"A trial is scheduled for Oct. 7."

Contact Info: CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

If you think you've heard this before, the City of San Diego tried this same thing some time back but wound up apologizing. TD