Full question:
Does a resident of a Bible Study Group have equal rights with a non-religious resident group to post signs within a (HUD supported, building owned) sign posting cabinet?
- Category: Civil Rights
- Subcategory: Free Speech
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
The answer will depend on the facts involved, such as whether the sign restriction is imposed by a government authority and whether the sign cabinet is in a common area. I am prohibited from giving a legal opinion, as this service provides information of a general legal nature.
A homeowner association can prohibit the posting of signs of any kind, including political signs, in the common areas. HOA sign restrictions often raise issues of free speech rights. However, since homeowner associations are private entities, they may impose more stringent regulations than those found in public forums and may impose sign restrictions. No HOA can prohibit signs advocating religious views, however, such signs may be limited to private property display and may not be displayed in common areas. On the other hand, HOAs do have authority to prohibit the display of commercial signs, both on community property, private property and often on private vehicles.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
