JEHOVAH WITNESSES WIN IN COURT

by Stan Griffin

The Jehovah Witnesses won a victory in the U. S. Supreme Court when a Stratton, Ohio ordinance was struck down as unconstitutional. That law required a village mayor's permit for any door-to-door solicitors or canvassers. It had been recently amended (1998) to include Girl Scouts selling cookies, politicians campaigning for election, and missionaries passing out literature. This third category apparently was aimed directly at the Witnesses who regularly carry their ministry "into the street." They challenged the law as being in violation of free speech.

Eight of the justices agreed. In an 8-1 decision announced June 17, the Court stated that people have the right to " ... go door to door to advocate religious, political, or other non-commercial causes without getting the government's permission."