Proponents of Christian town suffer setback

[JLSatty at AOL.COM]

This is a follow-up to a story from last week in which a group of people in a
small Alabama community anounced their intention to create a Christian
community with only the Bible a law:

The Associated Press 12/12/98 1:56 PM Eastern

Proponents of Christian town suffer setback from nearby ordinance

BROOKSVILLE, Ala. (AP) -- Some Morgan County residents who support creating
a town based solely on Biblical teachings and disposing of governmental
restrictions were dealt a setback by a nearby town's laws regarding sign
erection.

Members of the Brooksville community, about 10 miles outside Decatur,
gathered last week to put up an 8-foot by 8-foot sign using a picture of
Jesus and a Bible verse to welcome passerby.

But police from adjacent Priceville stopped them, saying a permit is
required before a sign can be erected on property inside town limits.

Hubert Porter owns the land where the sign was to be placed. He said it is
one of several sections annexed into Priceville, but claimed he didn't know
a permit was needed to put up the sign.

"I think basically they're being very heavy-handed about the whole thing,"
he said. "We consider the matter of personal liberty and lack of
restrictions and Christian principles to go hand-in-hand with city
government."

Priceville officials said the ordinance prohibiting a sign from being
erected in a residential area has been on the books since 1975. A permit
costs $6, but failing to comply could result in a misdemeanor charge, and a
conviction could carry a fine of $100 each day the violation continues.

The sign was meant to generate interest in the effort to incorporate
Brooksville, Porter said. Those in favor of the proposed Christian town
have circulated petitions and are hoping a referendum will be held in the
spring.

A charter drawn up for the proposed town lists the Ten Commandments and
Bible verses as its foundation. Supporters envision no elected leaders --
town business would be decided by a show of hands -- and no property
restrictions, such as Priceville's ordinance against erecting signs.

Meanwhile, Porter is trying to decide what he'll do next, as the sign is
left leaning against poles.

"We might just put it up and let me go to jail," he said. "I'm not above
that."

The effort to incorporate Brooksville is being led by minister James
Henderson. who said residents don't want to violate local laws.

"We don't want any conflict because it goes against what we're trying to
do," he said.


If there is an interest, I will try to keep the list current on what happens.

Joel L. Sogol
Attorney at Law
609 28th Ave.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
(205) 345-0966
jlsatty at wwisp.com