Catholic Caucus: New Jersey (Condo) Homeowners Fined for Having Virgin Mary Statue on Porch

Thomas More Society ^ | 03.07.20

[Coleus]

Two New Jersey homeowners are being fined by their condominium association for placing an 18-inch-tall figurine of the Virgin Mary on their porch. Thomas More Society Special Counsel Christopher Ferrara is representing Mary Jeanne Vassallo and her co-owner in what he describes as a “clear cut case of religious discrimination in housing.” On March 7, 2020, the not-for-profit, national public interest law firm sent a demand letter to the managing agent of the condominium association and the association’s board members seeking appropriate resolution on the owners’ behalf.

“I am confident that we can prevail on the claims in this case, which is only part of a national trend of such abuses by condo associations,” said Thomas More Society Special Counsel Christopher Ferrara.

The figurine of the Virgin Mary belonged to Vassallo’s deceased son, who received it as a gift during a church renovation while he was a second grader in the parish Catholic school, and it has been in the family for some twenty years. The condominium association board has declared that the display of the figurine is forbidden and subject to fines.

“Additionally,” shared Ferrara, “the owners received an email from a representative of the condo management company describing the statue as an ‘idol’ that ‘should be smashed’.”

At the same time, other condominium residents in Vassallo’s complex are allowed to affix Jewish mezuzahs to their front doors. A mezuzah, whose display Ms. Vassallo fully supports, is a religious icon in the form of a decorative case containing Hebrew scriptures. “Ms. Vassallo seeks only similar accommodation of her own Catholic religion,” said Mr. Ferrara. “This selective enforcement of a condominium regulation is a violation of their rights under the Federal Fair Housing Act, New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD), and the New Jersey State Constitution,” explained Ferrara. “Ms. Vassallo has been given no credible explanation as to why mezuzahs, to which she has no objection, are permitted but a figurine of the Blessed Virgin is not.”

Ferrara advised that if the matter cannot be resolved quickly and equitably, a complaint will be filed in New Jersey Superior Court. The action will seek justice under the Federal Fair Housing Act, New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination, and the New Jersey Constitution. “New Jersey courts have already recognized a state constitutional right to freedom of speech when condo associations have previously attempted to regulate expressive conduct, as is happening in this situation,” noted Ferrara. “I am confident that we can prevail on the claims in this case, which is only part of a national trend of such abuses by condo associations.”

Read the March 7, 2020, demand letter sent to condominium management agent and the condo association board by Thomas More Society Special Counsel Christopher Ferrara here.

[Coleus]

Just more anti-Catholic bigotry

There was an article in today's Bergen Record; however, I don't see it posted on their website. There is only this video.

[lee martell]

Of course, it’s petty and kind of ridiculous. However, everyone knows that’s how HOA are known to operate. By the Rule Book.
I wish them luck in carving out some sort of compromise.

[ChildOfThe60s]

I suspect that the Jewish neighbors have no clue that eventually they will be next. Learn nothing from history then expect to get the shaft.

If they had a lick of sense they’d be busting their chops defending this woman.

[Salvation]

2nd Amendment case

[Salvation]

Oops, that should have been free speech case.

[gcparent]

Its a condo. They have rules or dont buy one. Bring the blessed mother inside.

[moovova]

“A mezuzah, whose display Ms. Vassallo fully supports, is a religious icon in the form of a decorative case containing Hebrew scriptures.”

That’s all well and good until a Moslem resident starts decapitating infidels on the front porch...which is A-OK in their religion.

[ebb tide]

I have yet to see one homeowners association attempt to fine a homeowner for flying the gay rainbow flag during Gay Pride Month; after all, that would be a hate crime called homophobia.

[NRx]

No problem as long as the rules are enforced equally for all which is clearly not the situation here. And sending someone an email saying the statue was an idol and should be smashed is prima facie evidence of naked religious discrimination. If I were the condo assn board I’d be looking to settle this thing with alacrity. And whoever sent that email should be sacked. In the event this ends up in court, the couple have a solid case and would likely be eligible for damages.

[super7man]

The condominium association board has declared that the display of the figurine is forbidden

It really comes down to the reading of the by-laws for the HOA. I would like to see the wording of the section that defines such displays. The board can not just declare something as "forbidden".

[super7man]

Hmmm..... might end up as a 2nd Amendment case. ;o)

[cnsmom]

Bring the sentimental Mary inside and replace it with a life size version.

[Zuriel]

**2nd Amendment case**

Did their statue of Mary have her carrying a firearm? /s

[Deo et patriae]

I am not going to make any judgment call on this but I would like to say; A mezuzaha is quite small usually around 1” wide by 3” tall and most likely can not even be seen except close up. The statue mentioned could be seen from quite a distance away. There is really no comparison.

[QBFimi]

>> The statue mentioned could be seen from quite a distance away.

Oh! The horror of it all!/s

[Coleus]

A mezuzaha is quite small usually around 1” wide by 3” tall>>>

True, I’ve had them on my doorposts in the past.