The Thomas More Law Center, a national public-interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has come to the aid of a Florida couple ordered by their homeowners' association to remove a 3-foot-tall statue of the Virgin Mary from the front of their home. The upscale subdivision located near Sarasota, Florida allows scores of other statues.
The dispute began late last year when Anthony and Dianne Bambu were informed by their homeowners' association that the statue of the Virgin Mary violated neighborhood deed restrictions. Despite the fact that no such prohibitions against statues exist in the neighborhood by-laws, the Bambus were told that they must move the statue or face fines until the statue is moved.
Law Center attorneys notified the Mote Ranch Homeowners' Association in East Manatee, Florida that the Bambus would not move the statue, and that any further action taken by the Association designed to force them to remove the statue “will result in litigation.”
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel for the Law Center commented: “Statues of the Virgin Mary are used by Catholics across the country to express their devotion to the mother of God. By banning the Virgin Mary statue while allowing others, the Homeowners' Association is clearly discriminating against Catholics because of their religious beliefs.”
Anthony Bambu and his wife Dianne feel they are being unfairly singled out because of the religious nature of their statue. Anthony Bambu stated, “There are no rules covering lawn ornaments or statues in the by-laws. What they [the Association] are saying is that the statue is acceptable only if it is not visible to the public.”
(This update courtesy of the Thomas More Law Center, which defends and promotes religious freedom, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. TMLC does not charge for its services. It depends on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. It is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit their website.)
