HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A federal judge said town officials violated a couple's religious freedoms by limiting the number of people who could attend prayer meetings at their home.
Citing zoning rules, town officials in New Milford said Robert and Mary Murphy could only have 24 people besides family members at their home. Neighbors in the community 65 miles southwest of Hartford had complained about cars parked on the dead-end street.
The Murphys, who had invited up to 40 participants to prayer meetings they began seven years ago, said the order violated their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and peaceful assembly.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons ordered officials to stop enforcing the limit.
``We thank God the Constitution is working,'' Mary Murphy said Friday.
The Murphys were represented by the American Center for Law and Justice, a legal group that focuses on family and religious issues.
``This ruling sends an important message that the government cannot act as the 'prayer police' and censor legal and lawful religious expression,'' said Vince McCarthy, an attorney for the Murphys.
Kathy Castagnetta, New Milford's zoning enforcement officer, declined to comment. She said town officials had not yet read the ruling.
AP-NY-07-06-01 2318EDT
Copyright 2001 The Associated Press.