[cryptical]

Without burdensome restrictions by pseudo-governments.

Restrictions that are governed by a contract agreed to by the "burdened".

I wonder where in the Constitution the power is granted to the Federal Government to meddle in contracts between citizens, which clearly doesn't affect interstate commerce.

[beelzepug]

"...where in the Constitution the power is granted to the Federal Government to meddle in contracts between citizens..."

When one chooses to bargain away his own rights, for whatever reason, he does so at the peril of the rights of the rest of us.

[babydoll22]

I agree.

This is utter nonsense. This is an issue that should be left up the locals and or businesses.

[sergeantdave]

You're right, of course.

This strikes at our common law traditions that allow individuals to enter into lawful contracts. Now the feds have stepped in and nullified these contracts. Under what legal basis I don't know.

I much prefer voluntary HOA contracts as opposed to the fascist government zoning laws that set up unaccountable soviets dictating on every detail of how you can use your property.

At least with an HOA, you can move if you don't like the contract terms. With zoning laws your ability to exercise your rights and seek redress in civil courts is nearly obliterated.

[Arkinsaw]

Restrictions that are governed by a contract agreed to by the "burdened". I wonder where in the Constitution the power is granted to the Federal Government to meddle in contracts between citizens, which clearly doesn't affect interstate commerce.

The 14th Amendment prohibits governments from restricting citizens rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights. A homeowner's association is a local government that seeks to avoid being called a government in order to not have the 14th Amendment apply.

It has elections, it has an executive, it legislates and promulgates regulation over private property it does not own, it can make judgments and levy penalties and fines. It's a government, not a contract.

Establishing a local government is fine. Establishing a local government that can restrict free speech rights and other guaranteed rights within its jurisdiction. No, afraid not.

Right now these pseudo-governments are just here and there and you can move. But they are spreading. The day may come when they spread enough that you can't buy a house in a particular county unless you sign some of your rights away.

In the United States, no piece of American dirt should be off-limits to purchase by a US citizen solely because they refuse to sign away their free speech, or other, rights.