question for the group about food banks

[Rick Nelson]

        I have an even worse story.  A nonprofit group in Palm Beach,
Florida, was banned from distributing food to the homeless in a public park
without a permit from the city.  Turns out a gentleman living in a condo
overlooking the park (located at the beach) was offended by the sight of the
gathering destitute -- which spoiled his pristine view.  Upon calling the
city attorney, I was informed that public parks are not open gathering
places for groups to eat meals (despite the abundance of picnic tables and
charcoal grills).  The city demanded an immediate stop to the horrible
practice of feeding the homeless.  Interestingly enough, the city suggested
that the nonprofit simply move to another park (in the less attractive
section of the city) where no permit would be required and all would be
forgiven.  I advised the nonprofit to simply continue feeding and wait for a
reaction from the city.  None came.


                Rick Nelson




>        I have seen a lot of stupid regulations that burden religion, but
>this one is so stupid I suspect the story.  How good is your source, and
>what is the name of the city?  If its true, it is a no-brainer on
>substantial burden.
>
>At 08:32 AM 2/5/97 -0800, you wrote:
>>I have been told that a California community has issued an edict of some
>>kind saying that food banks in the community may not serve food to the
>>poor on Sundays.  Does anyone see this as an infringement on free
>>exercise for a church that operates a food bank and believes that the
>>poor should be fed on Sundays, of all days?  I welcome your comments.
>>Thanks.  Mary Logan, general counsel, UMC, mlogan at anet-chi.com
>>
>
>Douglas Laycock
>The University of Texas School of Law
>727 E. 26th St.
>Austin, TX  78705
>
>512-471-3275 (voice)
>512-471-6988 (fax)
>dlaycock at mail.law.utexas.edu
>
>