Does the City Government Have the Right to Shut Down Churches?

Question

Does the city government have the right to close down local churches so they can use the land for their own hidden agenda?

Answer 1

A city government CAN because of the "conservative" Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain, where property can be seized by city/country/state governments for development or "re-development".  No property is exempt. The US Supreme Court stated that eminent domain can apply as long as the seizure does not violate the public use clauses of the state and federal constitutions. The court found that if an economic project creates new jobs, increases tax and other city revenues, and revitalizes a depressed (even if not blighted) urban area, it qualifies as a public use. The court also found that government delegation of eminent domain power to a private entity was also constitutional as long as the private entity served as the legally authorized agent of the government

Answer 2

No.

Answer 3

i'm not sure, but i'm sure they will "legislate" the right if they have to.

Answer 4

No, the first amendment, the right to practice religion, however, in 1996 the US Supreme Court ruled that when it is in a public area ie: school...no one shall impress their religios beleifs on another this was added as an adendum because forcing a child to pray in school became so big of an issue that prayer was removed so to observe the rights of those that don't chose to beleive. However, the government also does this to home owners.

Answer 5

Well they have the right of eminent domain, but can only do so with due process in which the purpose of the siezure is clear and that it benefits the community.  They also have a right to close a church operating in a building or area unsuited to the purpose that may violate zoning ordinances.  

But they do not have any right to selectively shutdown a church because they do not like what is preached

Answer 6

NO! But if they have liberals they might try.