In certain minority communities (New York, in particular), we sometimes see some religious groups put their monthly publications (in their own languages, of course) in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Can anyone tell me if this is against the law in the U.S.? The more specific the answer, the better (i.e. reference to the law itself). Thanks.
2007-09-25 18:05:16 · 8 answers · asked by Anyone?? 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Grocery stores and restaurants are not public places. The land is controlled by a private owner. A private owner can do whatever he wants with his land. If he wants to line the walls with pornography or literature with sentiment wishing for the violent abolishing of the US government, it would be perfectly legal.
Also, in public places, the constitution guarantees those freedoms.
Who taught you about US government? Anyone with an elementary knowledge of the Bill of Rights would know better.
2007-09-25 18:29:03 · answer #1 · answered by thalog482 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely none (I live in New York.) You can litter the stores, etc.. with almost any type of literature. Keyword: Almost any. Not everything. As long as it is not immoral in nature, etc.... Additionally, no group whether religious etc... Can leave there literature in any establishment without the approval of the owner or someone in management. If they do without requesting permission they can also just throw it away in the garbage. The religious group or whoever will not face any type of legal action unless they have been warned not to do so and they continue to leave there literature at the establishment. That's other legal jargon and not your question. If you want a referenced law go to FindLaw.com.... Every statute imaginable is there.
2007-09-25 18:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It called the US consitution, and it prohibits any governmental entity from prohibiting this type of action. Also you're confusing public with private. These are PRIVATE places that for a business purpose allow the public in. A public place would be the street, a park, or a government office. They can restrict in those locations, but only if it applies across the board. ie one group can't do it while another can
2007-09-25 18:41:09 · answer #3 · answered by caffeyw 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope . Private individuals can do that . Government employees, in their official capacity, on "company time ", can't do that . If the location is private property, such as "grocery stores" , it's up to owner/management of said property .
Which law ? The Constitutiuon . The "establishment" clause (as interpreted) prohibits government from promoting religion .
ps: FRAGINAL-NOYPI, "except when this is contrary to law and morals"???????
Huh? Where'd that come from ? The question refers to US law . Where you from, dude? ;D
2007-09-25 18:12:00 · answer #4 · answered by mikeinportc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, this is America, you have freedom of religion. Oh, by the way, grocery stores, restaurants etc are private property not public that would be parks.
2007-09-25 18:14:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no law prohibiting religious publication except when this is contrary to law and morals.
2007-09-25 18:14:42 · answer #6 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is perfectly legal. Under the first amendment freedom of speech clause, the government cannot ban it.
2007-09-25 19:15:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but if you leave it without asking first it will just be thrown in the trash, so why bother?
2007-09-25 20:02:56 · answer #8 · answered by sbyldy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋