if the city ordinance says you can't assemble in a home to have say.. a bible study....?

Get a good lawyer.

I read a story about this very same topic yesterday. I looked through some notes, and a few websites.

What I learned is that the US Supreme Court has extended the first amendment's clauses to apply to lesser municipalities.

I'm not a lawyer, but what I understand in reading this is that the establishment clause, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;", also applies to states.

As I was always taught, this is not new. For a territory to become a state it must have its own constitution that does not conflict with the US Constitution and it must ratify the US Constitution as it is written, which means the state accepts the establishment clause as law, but the Gitlow v. New York, 268 U.S. 652 (1925) decision extends that clause to the lower municipalities.

I have not consulted a lawyer, but as I understand it, this ordinance can be legally challenged. I hope it can.

I heard that on Fox News today and even their commentator was adding that the city had a point.

It looked like there was only one exit on that building, and no exit sign.

The interior was not a home, but a real church.

I know from running my own business that there are even ordinances concerning handicapped access to doors and bathrooms that have to be strictly followed or your business can be closed down, and you get a fine as well. Imagine if there were also no exit signs! People could be trapped in a fire and not be able to see to get out.

People who have home daycares have to get licenses.

Why do Christians think they're above the law? Why is it okay for a Christian pastor to ignore 67 different zoning regulations? Are Christians just too good to have to obey the same laws everyone else has to?

"how can people have daycare in their homes"

They apply for a license O.o

Did he have the correct fire safety procedures in place? There are a million different rules you must follow to have an organised business in your home.

EDIT So you already know he broke the law and still ask the question? Stop trying to sound like some religious martyr who is being victimised and grow up.

Churches are required to obey city zoning laws. He was using his garage as a church, not just a simply bible study. The guy was arrested for ignoring 67 zoning laws, not for holding bible study.

If I remember correctly the reason he was arrested was because of the parking problems he and his guests caused their neighbors.

JW's have Bible studies in homes all the time. Don't forget Tupperware Parties, and backyard Bar-B-Que's.

Someone clearly complained and is against God....

Bet they don't break up Obama support groups.......