Peace Sign Wreath Banned In Neighborhood By Homeowner's Association

[matcom]

<snip>

DENVER -- A homeowners association in the southwestern Colorado town of Pagosa Springs has told one of its residents to take down a Christmas wreath shaped as a peace sign, because it's "divisive."

The association's president said three or four residents have complained the wreath is an anti-Iraq war protest or a symbol of Satan. He said some of those complaining have children serving in Iraq.

The association has threatened Lisa Jensen with a fine of $25 a day until she complies.

Jensen said she wasn't thinking about the war when she hung the wreath, calling it "a spiritual thing." She said she doesn't want to be bullied and won't take it down until after Christmas. Jensen said she doubts the association will be able to make her pay the fine.

http://www.wftv.com/news/10400671/detail.html

[jobycom]

1. I guess they'll have to ban a few Christmas carols, as well.

"Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" for instance, which contains the line "Peace on Earth, and mercy mild."

"Silent Night" has the line "Sleep in heavenly peace," though to Republicans "Heavenly peace" seems to involve bombs and the shredded bodies of children.

[reyd reid reed]

2. I heard about this this morning...

it's disgusting and should be unenforcable. Sadly, I suspect that since it's a HOA, it'll stick. This is worse than the couple in Boulder who can't smoke in their own home. These HOAs are getting too big for their britches, and it's pissing me off.

:nuke:

[jobycom]

4. Actually, if they claim it IS a political statement, they can probably win

Courts have ruled that a HOA cannot force someone to sign away their rights to freedom of expression, especially regarding political expression. I only know of Texas cases where that's happened, though.

[Phillycat]

3. Peace is divisive?

:banghead:

[Connonym]

5. What assholes but that's the kind of stuff that happens when you move into those communities

makes me want to start singing the theme song for Weeds but it creeps my kids out.

Little houses on the hillside, little houses made of ticky tacky, and they're all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same

[Pool Hall Ace]

6. A peace sign is symbolic of Satan?

I've seen churches named Prince of Peace. I always thought that referred to Jesus. Huh.