A federal judge has ruled that a southern Oregon city can’t limit a local church’s homeless meal services.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Clarke found that an ordinance passed by the small city of Brookings, on the southern Oregon coast, violated the religious freedom rights of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, KGW reported. He issued his opinion on Wednesday.

The 2021 ordinance limited the church’s homeless meal services to two days a week, and required a permit to serve free food in residential areas. It was passed in response to resident complaints.

The church sued the city in 2022, saying the ordinance violated its right to freely practice religion.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    On the one hand, I’m happy for this ruling.

    On the other hand, the church shouldn’t have to do it in the first place because a government that actually cared about its citizens wouldn’t let any of them go hungry.

    • dogslayeggs@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      This government actively worked to prevent it.

      I could give them the benefit of the doubt and say that the government was trying to get religion out of the job of taking care of citizens while setting up a city food bank… but I won’t because it was in response to a petition signed by 30 people (out of 7000).

    • lilsolar@sh.itjust.works
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      7 months ago

      When will ppl understand…

      A government will never care significantly abt jts citizens unless it’s small snd localized. That’s why a smaller government is better.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        Weird, because Sweden’s big government seems to do quite well caring significantly about its citizens. Along with the other Scandinavian countries.

        • lilsolar@sh.itjust.works
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          7 months ago

          Lol no? Have u seen their crime rate increase significantly. It’s acc dangerous mow + expensive.