http://reason.com/blog/2011/09/21/san-ju…
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The city of San Juan Capistrano, California is laying heavy fines on a local couple for hosting semi-regular bible readings in their home. From the Los Angeles CBS affiliate:
Homeowners Chuck and Stephanie Fromm, of San Juan Capistrano, were fined $300 earlier this month for holding what city officials called “a regular gathering of more than three people”.
That type of meeting would require a conditional use permit as defined by the city, according to Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), the couple’s legal representation.
The Fromms also reportedly face subsequent fines of $500 per meeting for any further “religious gatherings” in their home, according to PJI…
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San Juan Capistrano Fines Family For Reading Bible Without Permit, Can You Go To Jail For Not Paying The Fine?
Posted on September 23, 2011.
I still can’t see how that ordinance is legal, unless it specifies that any meeting (even a book club) has to get a permit. To single out religious meetings is in violation of the 1st Amendment.
But to answer your question, no, it is a civil violation. There should be no jail term for not paying.
Yes.
The SCOTUS has ruled that a city may limit with things like zoning laws some actions that would otherwise be considered protected as long as they are enforced evenly among protected and non-protected acts.