Category Archives: Religious freedom

No more religious discrimination: Feds to review Bay View’s home sales for 5 years

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Property owners who sued the Bay View Association on charges of religious discrimination in 2017 scored a victory this week.  A Department of Justice mediator hammered out an agreement with the community’s board of trustees, following HUD’s determination in February. As reported in February, HUD found that Bay View’s policy requiring new homeowners to be practicing Christians was a violation of First Amendment religious freedoms and the Fair Housing Continue ReadingNo more religious discrimination: Feds to review Bay View’s home sales for 5 years→

How about some HOA Good News for a change?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Every once in a while, homeowners win small victories, and finally reach the end of their HOA nightmares. It happens when good people get involved and do the right thing. Today’s post shares three rare examples of HOA good news, and a glimmer of hope for millions of other homeowners and residents stuck in HOA hell.   FL mobile home park says Catholic resident can keep her painting of Continue ReadingHow about some HOA Good News for a change?→

HUD lawsuit: Bay View HOA accused of violation Fair Housing Act – again

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Bay View, a seasonal community near Petoskey, Michigan, is in the news again for its alleged religious discrimination policy. In July 2017, members of the Bay View Chautauqua Inclusiveness Group sued Bay View Association, claiming the HOA limited ownership of cottages to members of the “Christian persuasion.” A Judge has already heard arguments, and the parties to the lawsuit await the court’s decision. In August of 2018, board members Continue ReadingHUD lawsuit: Bay View HOA accused of violation Fair Housing Act – again→

Has the HOA community association created a new vision for Fair Housing?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities In past decade or so, real estate developers and investors started targeting private and common interest community housing to specific groups of buyers, based upon religious background. But, is it legal under U.S. Fair Housing Act of 1968? The answer, it appears, is not obvious. Joppatowne, MD lawsuits focus on alleged Muslim-only community For example, in October of 2017, Faheem Younus, developer of River Run, made national headlines when Continue ReadingHas the HOA community association created a new vision for Fair Housing?→