WASHINGTON -- Religious groups have the right to go door to door sharing their faith without getting special permission first, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 17.
By a vote of 8-1, the court struck down a Stratton, Ohio, law that required anyone going door-to-door to register with authorities and carry a permit, according to the Associated Press. Under that law, violators were fined $100.
Jehovah's Witnesses, whose religion mandates door-to-door proselytizing, said Stratton's law was aimed at keeping them out of town. Stratton's mayor claimed the law was intended to protect elderly residents from pesky salespeople or con-artists (See story: Solicitation ordinance closes door on church's efforts).
The court already has held that the Constitution gives people the right to distribute anonymous campaign literature. This ruling extends that right to anonymous door-to-door soliciting for any cause, including any religious groups, politicians, Girl Scouts and others.
