Associations as Moral or Religious Enclaves
In browsing the news articles that came in under "homeowner association", I ran across an article that dealt with the desire of Islamic religious groups to be allowed to create housing "enclaves" that would follow their particluar religious rules. I recalled that Tom Monahan, of Domino Pizza fame, had wanted to create somethng similar in Florida. Also, I had seen the press release for a "gay" condo in Massachusetts.
Associations have often been accused of being "restrictive", either by intent or outcome. People who wish to see associations held to stricter constitutional standards may point to this and say "See, this is what can happen", while those who believe that individuals can "contract" away some of their rights will see it as an extension of what has historically occured in this country.
People have always formed enclaves, from Ruby Rdige to the Amish, but that doesn't mean that it won't continue to be controversial. Please feel free to click on the "Comments" link below if you'd like to weigh in.
Articles
"The Islamist Challenge to the U.S. Constitution" by David Kennedy Houck
"Tom Monaghan’s coming Catholic utopia" by Adam Reilly
"A Catholic millionaire's dream town draws fire." Newsweek
Web Sites
Ave Maria Community (their dislcaimer)
Stonewall at Audubon Circle
News Articles
Senate approves special district around Ave Maria
Ave Maria not restrictive as rumors would have some believe
Fate of town of Ave Maria in hands of county leaders
Ave Maria, Florida Statement Issued (press release)
Muslim Community Development Plans (Arkansas Fox 16)
Blogs
Ave Maria and the MSM square off