Couple risk fine, jail time over anti-abortion placard

Associated Press ^ | Sun, Aug. 08, 2004

[presidio9]

A couple who placed an anti-abortion sign on their Dauphin County home are refusing to heed borough officials' demand to remove the sign or risk a $500 fine and up to two months in jail.

Paxtang officials say the sign violates the borough ordinance that permits "signs for public, religious and charitable institutions and uses such as parks, schools, churches and similar uses."

Colman and Frances Wessel attached the sign to their front porch three weeks ago.

"We're just exercising our freedom of speech and religion," said Colman Wessel said. "Is it the pro-life words or the picture of Jesus they don't like?"

Codes enforcement officer Brian Seneca said in a letter to the couple that their sign "does not promote a charity of any kind. Therefore, you are required to remove the sign immediately" or risk fines and jail time.

Other residents have signs expressing support for troops in Iraq and for political candidates.

Paula Knudsen of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania said the action "cuts to the heart of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights."

"It doesn't matter whether it's affixed to your house, in your yard or to a banner flying from your balcony," she said. "Political and religious messages are protected by the First Amendment."

Paxtang Mayor William J. Parker said he opposed abortion but wanted the sign removed because "if everyone with a self-serving interest puts a sign up, we'd have signs all over Paxtang.

"That's a visual impairment," he said. "Where does it end?"

[MEGoody]

"That's a visual impairment," he said. "Where does it end?"

How is it a visual impairment when the sign is attached to their front porch? Based on the article, it doesn't sound like it is sitting by the street or anything.

[alancarp]

Well, Mr. Mayor, it doesn't have to end: it's a Constitutional right that everyone - EVERYONE is free to either exercise or not. At their own option.

[TigersEye]

Paxtang Mayor William J. Parker said he opposed abortion but wanted the sign removed because "if everyone with a self-serving interest puts a sign up, we'd have signs all over Paxtang. "That's a visual impairment," he said. "Where does it end?"

Do you have an ordinance about "visual impairment" as regards signs? If so it has to apply to everyone.

Other residents have signs expressing support for troops in Iraq and for political candidates.

[Psalm 73]

Mayor William J. Parker said he opposed abortion but wanted the sign removed because "if everyone with a self-serving interest...."

By what stretch of the imagination is taking a stand against killing babies a " self-serving interest"?
Were the abolitionists self-serving?

[Revelation 911]

"signs for public, religious and charitable institutions and uses such as parks, schools, churches and similar uses."

They ought to declare themselves a house church or sanctioned church plant from thier denomination - end of problem

[Conspiracy Guy]

No they need to let it play out. The Mayor will lose this fight.

[coloradan]

Is anyone here suprised by the supporting statement offered by the ACLU? Then again, maybe that's all the support they are offering.

[HEY4QDEMS]

That's a visual impairment," he said. "Where does it end

Signs signs everywhere are signs
Block'n out the scenery
Waste'n my mind

Sorry, getting a little carried away. :^D

[monday]

Did a retard write this article? They don't even quote the sign. What does it say? Stupid friggin moron!

That said, unless it is obscene, it would seem to be a simple matter of freedom of speech. The only exception would be if they lived in a deed restricted neighborhood where signs are prohibited. A city ordinance, which seems to be the case, would be unconstitutional.

[Kerfuffle]

I assume that if the sign in question was attacking Dubya or the war in Iraq, we'd learn exactly what it said.

[Paved Paradise]

Bet if it was a Rainbow flag, there'd be no problemo.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

This could be solved rather easily. They should add a pro-life non-profit "charity" website link and 1-800 number to the sign.

[Coleus]

What ever happened to the 1st amendment and our liberties?

I wonder which organization will take over this case: Thomas More, ACLJ or the Rutherford Institute.

[George from New England]

We're you a member of the Five Man Electrical Band?

Which of the men were you ? #1 or #3

[Maeve]

Prayers to Jesus to support this couple in their battle against the government!

Anybody on board with me in providing prayer support for them?!?

Please ping your lists if you are so inclined.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Codes enforcement officer Brian Seneca said in a letter to the couple that their sign "does not promote a charity of any kind. Therefore, you are required to remove the sign immediately" or risk fines and jail time.

It would be ridiculous to put these people in jail. It's outrageous to see what is happening to religious people.

[Dog Gone]

Why did you put this is multiple state topics? Which state is this in?

[Maeve]

ping

[Old Professer]

Making everyone miserable doesn't make anything right.