Falwell accepts ACLU’s legal aid

Associated Press

LYNCHBURG, Va. — The American Civil Liberties Union offered to support the Rev. Jerry Falwell in his challenge of Virginia laws that restrict how much property a church can own.

Though Falwell often chides the activist group, the offer was welcomed by Jerry Falwell Jr., who is representing his father in the case.

Falwell Jr. said he hopes other groups also come forward, especially churches.

"It will make more of a statement if other denominations support us," the younger Falwell said.

The ACLU offered to file a friend-of-the-court brief in the federal suit against the state and the city of Lynchburg.

"We agree with your position that such laws discriminate against religion in both purpose and effect," Rebecca Glenberg, the ACLU’s legal director, wrote in Tuesday’s letter.

Kent Willis, executive director of the state ACLU, said his organization has always operated along clear legal lines, which sometimes makes for "very different bedmates. … This is an instance we believe Rev. Falwell is absolutely right."

Falwell is a longtime critic of the ACLU. Two days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he said on Pat Robertson’s "The 700 Club" show that God allowed the attack because of the work of abortion rights supporters, feminists and civil liberties groups, specifically the ACLU. Falwell later apologized.

Falwell’s suit, filed Nov. 9, grew out of plans for a new sanctuary at his church, Thomas Road Baptist. Thomas Road could not own the sanctuary because state law prohibits any church from owning more than 15 acres in a city and 250 acres in a county. A municipality can increase its local limit to 50 acres, which Lynchburg did in the 1980s.

Falwell Jr. said Virginia and West Virginia are the only states that have such laws.

The suit said Virginia is violating the First Amendment right to free expression of religion and freedom of assembly, as well as the 14th Amendment’s prohibition against excessive government entanglement with religion.

Falwell’s suit also challenges laws that prohibit churches from becoming incorporated and require court oversight for land transactions.

"We’re not filing this suit just for Thomas Road Baptist Church," Falwell said, "but for every church in Virginia."

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Rick Steves launches $1M match challenge for Lynnwood Neighborhood Center

The $64.5 million Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will house several community spaces and partner with local nonprofits.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Council denies latest Eastview Village appeal

Council members affirmed previous approvals of the development planned off Cathcart Way near Highway 9.

Everett
Everett police: Man sold drugs to woman prior to fatal overdose

The man, who faces a charge under the state’s controlled substance homicide law, remains in Snohomish County Jail on more than $1M bond.

Missing Marysville boy, 10, found safe and sound

Police said the boy was last seen Sunday morning before leaving to go for a run at a nearby middle school.

Red tape hangs in the front of the entrance to a burned down Center for Human Services building along 204th Street on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood fire destroys behavioral health nonprofit building

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building housed an intensive mental health support program for youth and families.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.