Well, this is interesting.

He brings up some interesting points, though I suspect what undermined his argument was his inability to frame his argument in terms of Law.

Something to keep in mind...when in the courtroom, doesn't matter how logical, or factual you are...if you can't frame your argument in legalese and your "opponent" can, you will lose each and every time.

The court room is not about "truth," nor is it about reason (and the rare occasions it is should be viewed as outliers to the general norm) because truth and reason are what the court says they are. This is especially true in criminal cases which is why you read about innocent people being found guilty on the flimsiest of cases, or guilty people found innocent on the most of obvious of cases. It is all based on who can frame their argument within the context of law.

So, perhaps, if Mr. Salman can find a Lawyer who can do that for him...he'll probably win.

This is very similar to the case of Chuck and Stephanie Fromm in San Juan Capistrano, California, last year, who were fined for having a weekly Bible study in their home that the city called "church" and fined them for.

That case worked out fine for the Fromms and the city backed down.
www.ocregister.com/articles/city-327856-bible-sandoval.html

But I think these kinds of cases are going to continue.

One of the facts left out of the report was that Mr. Salman had his property rezoned for a church in 2008. He is telling one government agency that it is a church while saying to another and the courts that it isn't a church. The complete story can be found at http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/20120711phoenix-preacher-jailed-zoning-dispute.html

This whole thing seems like a neighborhood dispute that has gotten out of hand. Enter fox news throwing around the word persecution and the whole thing gets even more nuts.

I found this story which sheds a little more light on what has been going on for the last four or five years:

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2008-01-17/news/michael-salman-wants-to-build-a-church-in-his-backyard-his-neighbors-aren-t-buying-it/

"It is a case of religious freedom or violating city codes?"
This is a case of violating city codes. When they met in their home there was no problem with codes or neighbors.

I don't know what he's doing when the saints meet, but if he is driving the whole gathering by delivering a 30 -45 minute Bible lecture, then he is also violating Biblical codes for what it means to meet. Heb. 10:24,25. Lecturing the Bible does not equip the saints to "do the work of the ministry" , except in very minuscule and mediocre ways. It mostly renders them perpetually dependent, as in 99% of other pulpit and pew routines.

First off, Fox news didnt once use the word "persecution" in its report. Secondly, none of the other supposed news networks have even carried any article regarding Michael Salman's plight. Lastly, Michael Salman needs to have his structure up to code for the safety of his visitors. Card games and Tupperware parties rarely have so many people that a typical home couldn't accomodate the guests safely. If the Salmans are collecting tithes then use it to make the structure safe, then get him out of jail to let him continue The Lord's work.

If we want to change our cities and make them more sustainable we need examples like this to test local zoning regulations and encourage dialogue with the NIMBY's and BANANA's. Having said that, public safety is of prime importance. At least hire an architect next time!