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Justices Concerned for Ariz. Church in Sign Case

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A small church in a Phoenix suburb may win its case that's gone all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The nation's high court heard the case this week. It surrounds discrimination involving church signs ordinances compared to city laws for other types of signs.

The battle in the nation's high court is over a Gilbert, Arizona, ordinance that limits roadside signs directing people to Sunday services.

Both liberal and conservative justices had concerns about the ordinance because it allows more restrictions on the temporary signs of churches than the ones put up by real estate agents, political candidates, and others.

The Good News Community Church and Pastor Clyde Reed filed a lawsuit over the limits Gilbert puts on directional signs. The church sets up signs around town that direct people to its services in retirement communities and local schools.

For example, the directional signs must be considerably smaller than signs for political candidates, and the amount of time they are allowed to remain in place is considerably shorter than the time given political signs.

Gilbert does permit churches to post larger signs that welcome people to its services.

"We can't tell you where it is because the town won't let us," Justice Samuel Alito said, to laughter, referencing any upcoming service. "But if you drive by here tomorrow morning at a certain time, you'll see an arrow."

The town's attorney basically agreed with Alito's summary of the ordinance.

"Well, my goodness. I mean... it does sound as if the town is being a little unreasonable, doesn't it?" Justice Stephen Breyer asked Gilbert's attorney.

Lower federal courts upheld the ordinance, citing the distinction it makes between different kinds of temporary signs is not determined by the message.

The church disagrees, saying the law essentially promotes regulation based on content.

Religious groups and the Obama administration agree with the church, wanting the Supreme Court to strike down the ordinance.

The National League of Cities and other associations of local officials support the town ordinance.

The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision by June.

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About The Author

Mark
Martin

Mark Martin currently serves as a reporter and anchor at CBN News, reporting on all kinds of issues, from military matters to alternative fuels. Mark has reported internationally in the Middle East. He traveled to Bahrain and covered stories on the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mark also anchors CBN News Midday on the CBN Newschannel and fills in on the anchor desk for CBN News' Newswatch and The 700 Club. Prior to CBN News, Mark worked at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith, Arkansas. There he served as a weekend morning producer, before being promoted to general