COMMENTARY: City Code Prohibiting Bible Study in Homes Is Ridiculous

A couple in San Juan Capistrano, California was recently fined $300 by the city for holding a Bible study meeting in their home.

Chuck and Stephanie Fromm were told by the city that they now face $500 fines for each additional Bible Study session they hold.

City officials say that a city code prohibits religious organizations without a permit, which can be a very expensive procedure.

This city code ruling is ridiculous, and was most likely passed in order to bring in revenue to the city. Even worse, it is a denial of the religious freedom that the Fromms -- and all of the other citizens in San Juan Capistrano -- are entitled to have.

It is unlikely that this city ruling will stand up in the courts, since it violates individuals' constitutional rights.

The right to hold a meeting to learn about the Bible is one thing; the right to hold a meeting to plan to overthrow the U.S. government is something else. One right relates to religious freedom; the other "right" relates to treason.

The president of the Pacific Justice Institute -- which is representing the Fromms -- said: "We cannot allow this (denial of religious freedom) to happen in America."

The Institute intends to address this matter in the courts, until religious freedom is restored in San Juan Capistrano, California.