Florida Couple Alleges Religious Discrimination Involving Statue

 
Article Courtesy of CNSNews.com Morning Editor
By Susan Jones
Posted on February 17, 2004

(CNSNews.com) - Remove that Virgin Mary statue, said a Florida homeowners association. No -- said the Florida couple who own the statue. And therein lies a potential legal battle.

The Michigan-based Thomas More Law Center has notified the Mote Ranch Homeowners Association in East Manatee, Fla., that Anthony and Diane Bambu will not remove the three-foot-tall statue, which sits in a garden in the front of their home.

And if the homeowners association tries to fine the Bambus or otherwise pressure them, such action
"will result in
litigation," the Law Center warned.

The dispute began late last year, when
the Bambus were
told that the statue violated neighborhood deed restrictions. 

But does it? According to the Thomas More Law Center, there are "no such prohibitions 

  Florida couple defends Virgin Mary statue
against statues" in the neighborhood bylaws. Moreover, the upscale subdivision near Sarastoa allows "scores of other statues," according to the Law Center.

"Statues of the Virgin Mary are used by Catholics across the country to express their devotion to the mother of God," said Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel for the Law Center. 

"By banning the Virgin Mary statue while allowing others, the homeowners association is clearly discriminating against Catholics because of their religious beliefs," he added in a press release.

Anthony Bambu and his wife Dianne believe they are being unfairly singled out because of the religious nature of their statue. 

"There are no rules covering lawn ornaments or statues in the bylaws," Anthony Bambu said. "What they [the Association] are saying is that the statue is acceptable only if it is not visible to the public."

The Thomas More Law Center describes itself as a defender and promoter of religious freedom, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities.


READ PART I OF THE STORY!