Virginia Officials Seek to Limit Constitutional Right to Assemble

Officials in Fairfax County appear ready to implement a Constitutional violating limit to private citizens peacefully assembling in private residences. According to Fox News, the officials are planning to create a zoning ordinance that would limit gatherings to 49 people per day. In addition, the ordinance would seek to limit the number of times the group could meet in a given period of time. According to the report, it would be no more than three times in a 40 day period.

Now, considering some very politically active people may wish to host a number of gatherings for activities like fundraisers or GOTV (Get Out The Vote), it seems obvious more than three meetings may occur in a 40 day period. In addition, there are home church groups who meet weekly to practice their constitutionally protected right to Freedom of Religion.

Of course, given that the Fairfax County supervisor predicts this move will end with a lawsuit, we can hope such foolishness will be stopped short of passage. It is especially ridiculous when the number of complaints about such gatherings amounted to a mere 6 in one year. Police get more noise complaints about dogs barking and kids playing basketball.

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