Jewish resident stands ground in condo religious question
by Ed Thomas
February 23, 2007
(OneNewsNow.com) - - A Florida condominium resident who was required to remove a Jewish religious symbol from her doorpost says she's trying to resolve her conflict with the governing association and its rules without lawsuits or further publicity. Tenant rules at "The Port" prohibit certain exterior displays, but Laurie Richter feels those rules are being unequally applied.Richter wrote The Port's governing association a four-page letter after she received notification in January that the Jewish mezuzah attached to her door must be removed. In the letter, she informed the association officials that Florida and U.S. law allow for the free exercise of religion, which she says the posting of the mezuzah represents.
The condominium dweller also pointed out that Christmas wreath displays were permitted in the building for those celebrating the Christian holiday. She feels she was unfairly treated and that her cause is important for present and future tenants of The Port when it comes to religious rights and practices.
Nevertheless, Richter was denied permission to display the Jewish symbol, a decision she feels was unreasonable. 'I think a mezuzah -- which is even smaller than a wreath -- should definitely be allowed since the wreaths were allowed, and it won't destroy the property,' she says. 'And it's a mandate by my religion to hang it, because it's a symbol to people that walk by that it's a Jewish home, and it is also a blessing inside."
Richter, who is an attorney, says her requests for reconsideration and a hearing were likewise denied. She has since been trying to advocate her position that mezuzah hanging is a religious observance equivalent to Christmas wreaths, which are allowed in the complex and endorsed by state and federal law regarding the free exercise of religion. She has also attempted to get the help of her landlord as well as the Anti-Defamation League in resolving the matter.
The Florida woman says although she is not fond of conflict, she wants to let people know how hurtful intolerance can be and to 'take a stand against whatever this is, be it discrimination or just silliness.' Her condominium's policy makes her feel 'as though people of my faith are not welcome to live in my building,' she contends. 'I have to go home feeling like that every day, and I think it's very intolerant, to say the least."
The Port's governing association board has not been willing to compromise so far, Richter adds. So, with the stalemate at hand, she says she is considering offers of pro-bono help from many colleagues who agree with her about the importance of making sure no one else feels their faith is unwelcome in the condominium complex.
