PHOENIX (AP) — A Phoenix pastor who hosts Bible studies and worship services on his four-acre residential lot is serving a 60-day jail sentence for building code violations.
The Rev. Michael Salman erected a building outside his home with a large parking area to accommodate members of his Harvest Christian Fellowship, but city officials cited him for multiple violations of codes that apply to churches and other public buildings.
Salman says he complied with the city's requirements until they became unaffordable.
The married father of six reported to jail this past Monday. He also was fined $12,000.
Attorney John Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute, says he's preparing a writ of habeas corpus to get Salman released and will ask the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the pastor's constitutional rights to freedom of worship and freedom of assembly.
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243-a-07-(The Reverend Michael Salman, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, in recording he made last weekend)-"a protected right"-The Reverend Michael Salman, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, said he and his wife should be able to host Bible studies and worship gatherings. (12 Jul 2012)
<<CUT *243 (07/12/12)>> 00:07 "a protected right"
245-a-07-(John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute and attorney for jailed pastor, in AP interview)-"12 thousand dollars"-John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute and attorney for jailed pastor, says the Reverend Michael Salman's home Bible studies violated Phoenix zoning codes. (12 Jul 2012)
<<CUT *245 (07/12/12)>> 00:07 "12 thousand dollars"
247-a-08-(John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute and attorney for jailed pastor, in AP interview)-"the First Amendment"-John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute and attorney for jailed pastor Michael Salman, says he's taking the case to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. (12 Jul 2012)
<<CUT *247 (07/12/12)>> 00:08 "the First Amendment"
246-a-09-(John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute and attorney for jailed pastor, in AP interview)-"out of jail"-John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute and attorney for jailed pastor, says the Reverend Michael Salman's neighbors host non-religious gatherings without being prosecuted by city officials. (12 Jul 2012)
<<CUT *246 (07/12/12)>> 00:09 "out of jail"
