Even in Arizona...

Wow, what a total downer for my 1000th post...but this needs to be spread far and wide.

We’ve told you before about government regulations hampering home Bible studies, but this story is even more pervasive, perplexing and complicated than the others. Michael Salman, who lives in Phoenix, Ariz., has been sentenced to a startling 60 days in jail, given a $12,180 fine and granted three years probation for refusing to stop hosting Bible studies at his home. Why, you ask? He‘s apparently in violation of the city’s building code laws.

City officials claim that he’s running an operation that is reminiscent of a home church — but without the required permits. And according to Fox’s Todd Starnes, Phoenix court documents show that he violated 67 codes. Unless the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals grants an emergency injunction, he will be jailed as early as next week.

Naturally, Salman believes the court’s findings amount to a crackdown on faith and religion. The city maintains that the penalties are legitimate based on the zoning laws he and his family have violated. However, Starnes was apparently unable to reach the Phoenix prosecutor’s office, the mayor’s office or code enforcement to obtain further comment.

This is what happens when you let government get out of control.  (Of course, as Papa Todd points out, if he'd been running a terrorist training camp holding studies of the Qur'an for devout practitioners of the Religion of Peace, this wouldn't be an issue in the slightest.)  Now it rests on the shoulders of the notoriously-moonbat 9th Circuit Court.  For all the good it'll do, here's some contact info:

Phoenix Prosecutor's Office

Phoenix Mayor's Office

9th Circuit Court of Appeals

And, just for fun...

Gov. Brewer

Let's burn up some phone lines tomorrow.