Posted on 08/09/2004 10:36:02 AM PDT by 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?"
Society is antithetical to survival and evolution.
I have to say I'm amazed that the ACLU seems to be on the right side of the issue. I wonder if they've only released a statement for political purposes, to be appear principled, but really aren't doing anything. Maybe I'm too suspicious, but with these folks you just never know.
I am not surprised that the ACLU would get their name in the paper using a case like this. Every now and then the ACLU will latch onto something like this to try to resuscitate its reputation, ie., con the more naive of the ignorant masses.
You do not have the Constitutional power to decide that, idiot.
I join in prayer for this couple!
LOL! 8-)
When I hear this song I think of my 4th grade field trip back in 1971 when we went to the Museum of Science in Boston and saw a presentation explaining how bad pollution and mankind is. They also used Joni Mitchell's "parking lot" song.
Apparently, we were on the verge of being buried in trash and asphalt.
No shit!?
I didn't. Anyone can add keywords to a thread after it has been posts. For the record, Dauphin County is in Pennsylvania. Someone should forward this story to Rick Santorum, to make sure that he is aware of it.
What more can you tell us about St Ann and where are you getting your information from?
This is why private property rights are as important as any of our constitutional rights.
Although it would only be usable from the evening until the early morning, how about using a slightly-modified magic lantern projector to shine the "billboard" onto the side of the house or, if that isn't feasible, window shades?
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