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A Virginia couple embroiled in a legal battle with their apartment complex over the holding of Bible studies has reached a settlement, according to their attorney.
Last summer, Fredericksburg residents Ken and Liv Hauge revealed that they had been threatened with eviction after holding Bible studies in their private apartment.
As a result, faith-based law firm First Liberty got involved and filed a lawsuit, arguing that the ban was a violation of the Fair Housing Act, by discriminating against the couple’s freedom of religion.
Now, finally, an agreement has been reached, and it was a huge win for the Hauge’s and freedom of religious expression as a whole. The new settlement involves the Hauge’s signing a new lease at the complex which stipulates that they are permitted to host Bible studies in the community room or in their private apartment.
“The settlement provides that the policy that prohibited any religious activities from occurring in the community room is rescinded so that means anyone, not just the Bible study, that wants to have an event has equal access regardless of the religious content,” the couple’s lawyer, Lea Patterson, told Fox 5.
The couple is delighted by the positive outcome. “It’s just a great relief to have this behind us and be able to move forward,” said Kenneth, who is a part-time pastor at a local church.
The apartment complex has not commented on the settlement.
In previous comments made to CBN News, Patterson noted that the apartment complex officials had also “prohibited the saying of table grace at resident social meals.”
“In fact, what they’ve done is they will refuse to reimburse the resident social director for the costs of the meal if table grace is said,” Patterson added.
In a previously provided statement, the landlord insisted that the threat of eviction was “no way based on [the couple’s] religious beliefs and/or practices.”
(Excerpt from Faithwire. Article by Will Maule.)
Thank God for the courage of this couple to fight for their right to practice their religion. Be encouraged by their tenacity and boldness.
Comments
We thank you Lord there lives at least one couple who stand on your righteousness and not their (our) own to make America GREAT again in Your power, might, Mercy, and Grace that You receive all the Glory, in Jesus Name. Thank you again Lord!!!
GOD bless you Pastor Ken and Mrs. Hague! What the devil meant for evil GOD is turning for good! May many souls be won in that complex–perhaps even the souls of the people who made those unGodly rules in the first place!
Father God,
Thank You for this legal victory for freedom of religion in the United States.
Thank for this couple who did not back down and bless their witness in that apartment complex. May it bear much fruit for Your Kingdom.
And thank You for First Liberty being willing and able to provide legal services. Please bless this ministry with all the resources they need to continue fighting for our freedom of religion.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Amen, Amen!
One wonders why anyone would choose to live in this complex?
Such evil forces I. The heavenly places over this place. Praise God for the pulling down of strongholds!
We stand on the promises of God! Abraham believed God and did not waver regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4: 20-22
Ken & Liv Hague, I am praising God with you for the victory!🙌🏻 “STAND UP FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN AMERICA!”