Religion and Property Rights

The Seattle Times reports:

"I don't know why it's turned out to be so complicated," said Brent Carson, president of Temple B'Nai Torah in Bellevue, where a homeless tent city is scheduled to open today.

"It's actually a simple thing. When people in crisis ask for help, we're obligated to respond. It's part of being Jewish."

They call it Tikun Olam, or "repairing the brokenness in the world." To do it, it looks like the folks at B'Nai Torah will have to break the law.

In strict rules adopted last summer, Bellevue decided the temple can host at most 40 people. The temple is expecting as many as 75 and has space for 100, Carson says.

"We will not force people out on the street," he said. "It's unfortunate we've been put in this position. We don't feel we have much choice."

So Monday the congregation sued, arguing the rules violate its right to practice religion without interference.

We know this will be called a religious issue but it's really all about property rights.