[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Gsmello

The cross is not a sign just a plain white cross. If we are forced to take them down, it will only be right if everyone has something showing their faith or belief in view should abide also.

That is why we all agreed to Deed Restrictions; not to punish people, but to keep neighborhoods pristine.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Mleeja

Buddhas are a religious symbol. I haven't seen the outcry about fat little Buddhas in the from yards...

Those are Buddhas?

I thought they were meant as a generic representation...of us guys here in TV.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by Hancle704

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. -

Not a matter of Federal law--Is a covenant between parties owning the subject properties.

[Hancle704]

Will there now be an outcry about entire neighborhoods that decorate with orange lights, skeletons, pumpkins, gravestones and ghosts for Halloween and the 5-10 foot tall inflated Disney characters around Thanksgiving and Christmas? You know the ones that many Villagers hop into their cars and golf carts to visit with the grand kids. I hope not, because that is something that has helped make The Villagers so great.

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by Hancle704

Will there now be an outcry about entire neighborhoods that decorate with orange lights, skeletons, pumpkins, gravestones and ghosts for Halloween and the 5-10 foot tall inflated Disney characters around Thanksgiving and Christmas? You know the ones that many Villagers hop into their cars and golf carts to visit with the grand kids. I hope not, because that is something that has helped make The Villagers so great.

If you read the deed restrictions, you will see that holiday decorations are allowed for a certain time period before and after the holiday. It is not at all like the little white crosses.

Actually I like seeing those crosses. It is not tacky.

Would it be alright to have symbols of other religions? How about the crescent of Islam in a front yard? A Star of David? A Satan for Devil worship?

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Hancle704

Will there now be an outcry about entire neighborhoods that decorate with orange lights, skeletons, pumpkins, gravestones and ghosts for Halloween and the 5-10 foot tall inflated Disney characters around Thanksgiving and Christmas?

The deed restrictions allow for holiday decorations.
I haven't checked all deed restrictions, but in our village it's for 30 days.
I think the white crosses are meant to stay in place permanently.

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by coalminer

It dosent matter what they stand for, or if they stand for nothing at all. They violate the deed restrictions, take them down.

Protected by the 1st Amendment. Deed Restriction are not laws and are only enforceable by civil adjudication. In this case since these are associated with their religious faith you will loose the lawsuit and end up paying big time.

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

If you read the deed restrictions, you will see that holiday decorations are allowed for a certain time period before and after the holiday. It is not at all like the little white crosses.

Actually I like seeing those crosses. It is not tacky.

Would it be alright to have symbols of other religions? How about the crescent of Islam in a front yard? A Star of David? A Satan for Devil worship?

Everything you mentioned being displayed would come under 1st Amendment Rights. Deed restrictions that would impair ones religious rights are not enforceable.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Steve9930

Protected by the 1st Amendment. Deed Restriction are not laws and are only enforceable by civil adjudication. In this case since these are associated with their religious faith you will loose the lawsuit and end up paying big time.

You may want to go back and read the link in Post #53.

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by Challenger

Not a matter of Federal law--Is a covenant between parties owning the subject properties.

The covenant is null and void if it interferes with their Constitution Right of Religious Expression. Just like the TV Antenna controversy. You can erect a TV antenna on your roof even though the Deed Restriction say no. Deed Restriction and HOA Covenants are superseded by law either State or Federal.

[Junebugs]

Interesting discussion but can we go back to the OP? I want to know what are the lawn signs that have "swinger" designation? I have never heard about this before….I feel so naive! What else am I missing???

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by ColdNoMore

You may want to go back and read the link in Post #53.

I read 53. 53 is correct in that case. Since what they wanted to do was legal but not protected by any other law is why they lost. Now Deed Restrictions are a contract between the parties at purchase. They can be enforced only through civil litigation. However Deed Restrictions cannot violate existing law. if the deed Restrict Violates State or Federal Law it is Null and Void. The cross would be considered an expression of their religious faith protected under the 1st Amendment. So you can ask them to take it down and all they have to say is no, its an expression of my Religious Faith, Case Closed unless you like to throw away money.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by Steve9930

The covenant is null and void if it interferes with their Constitution Right of Religious Expression. Just like the TV Antenna controversy. You can erect a TV antenna on your roof even though the Deed Restriction say no. Deed Restriction and HOA Covenants are superseded by law either State or Federal.

So you believe that one could erect a religious(any religion) symbol of any kind rising to 30 feet tall even though it exceeded height restrictions.

[Steve9930]

Originally Posted by Challenger

So you believe that one could erect a religious(any religion) symbol of any kind rising to 30 feet tall even though it exceeded height restrictions.

Technically Yes. But I would think that it would be a hard sell to prove it was your Religious Right. There is also intent when these are adjudicated. A 30 foot symbol sounds more like you want to upset some one. With a 30 foot symbol you might argue a safety problem. Even though you have the right to express your religion, you do not have the right to endanger some one in the process. So when you talk about a six inch cross or 30 foot cross, there is a difference. Its just like the TV antenna. You have a right to the TV antenna on your roof. But it has to conform to safety and engineering standards.

[kstew43]

Originally Posted by Junebugs

Interesting discussion but can we go back to the OP? I want to know what are the lawn signs that have "swinger" designation? I have never heard about this before….I feel so naive! What else am I missing???

I understood that the colorful puff balls that are used to bath, when hung on your car antenna represents you are a swinger.... plus wearing a certain color shoes out to bars at night...?

thats what I heard anyway....