From Vinny, a story where a homeowner’s association is demanding that a member take down her 3-foot tall statue of the Virgin Mary from her front yard.

I’m with Chet in his comments on this one:

I’d like to read the actual line in the contract that specifies the restrictriction barring the statue, but I know that states and counties have specific laws regarding HOA contracts and their enforceablilty. For example, here in Arizona, any HOA restriction on “the installation or use of a solar energy device” is void and unenforceable.

If there is a specific restriction barring the statue due to its religious nature, this would clearly be in violation of 1st Amendment rights.

In Columbia, MD, I heard a person got heat for using the wrong trashcan. It’s all about balancing matters of freedom and community standards; that’s what these agreements are all about. I think this case is more poignant than that of the windmill mentioned in the story, especially since the status carries a religious significance.

Something tells me this is more than the contract is about though; political correctness runs every way now, and it is irritating. The owner isn’t placing the statue on a street corner where it is public property; she should go ahead and keep it. Ditto the windmill, no matter how ugly that might be.

It sure is more aesthetically pleasing than a giant Winnie The Fugly Stupid Teddy Bear with the Santa hat in my friend’s neighborhood.