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Grace Baptist Church......an Indiana church.

Discussion in 'Evangelism, Missions & Witnessing' started by Sherrie, Oct 4, 2002.

  1. Sherrie

    Sherrie New Member

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    AgapePress Christian News Service
    "AgapePress News Summary"
    Jody Brown, Editor

    ...An Indiana church is threatening to sue the City of Lebanon over a policy that bars church members from handing out religious pamphlets in city parks. An attorney for Grace Baptist Church has warned the city that he will file a federal lawsuit unless the ban is dropped within two weeks. Lebanon's parks board enforces a no-solicitation policy that prohibits anyone from distributing literature in the parks. Mayor Jim Acton says the policy is evenhanded since it applies to handouts of any kind. But the church's attorney says the policy is unconstitutional because the Supreme Court long ago found that public parks are public forums where freedom of speech is guaranteed.
     
  2. Mike McK

    Mike McK New Member

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    It's true. The ACLJ has fought this battle many times and won.

    The city would have to prove that they had a compelling interest to stop Church members from handing out tracts (such as a public saftey hazard or a violation of ordinances banning amplified noise) and none of the things the church is accused of would fall under what the courts have routinely considered "compelling interests".

    I would counter sue.

    Mike
     
  3. Son of Consolation

    Son of Consolation New Member

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    Smoke_Eater, it is not the City which sues the Church but the other way around. So, why would you counter sue? [​IMG]
     
  4. Mrs KJV

    Mrs KJV <img src =/MrsKJV.gif>

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    This is true it is not lawful. The only way they can stop you is if you are putting it on private property. Like you can't but it on water fountains trees, or equipment. My husband was once threaten to be put in jail because of this one time. The people were gladly taking the literature and he was threaten. He called the people in charge of the place and they apologized all over themselves. They were afraid they were gonna get sued. Today lots of public places are breaking this law. Look around and see how many. :(
     
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