When you sign up for an HOA...the reality that you don't have total sovereign control over the exterior of your home is well documented. I'm not sure why anyone would want to sign on for that.
Of course, not surprisingly, Fox News is hinting at the "War on Christianity" angle with this story. In reality, it's just highlight of why HOA's are a terrible idea and why nobody (with any respect for property rights) should enter into one.
Paying extra money to forfeit certain property rights seems silly to me.
Agree.
HOA's, do have the ability to make rules, that are motivated by keeping the external appearance of homes, inline with some level of conformity and avoid "eye sores", etc...
It is a tricky thing though, because I do think, HOA's go too far in some regards. One of my neighbors in a previous subdivision I lived in, was an attorney and he had issues with the HOA with landscaping that broke the rules and he ended up winning in court, because he challenged the rules on constitutionality.
In general, HOA's are only allowed to create restrictions, that are directly based on this criteria:
1. It is a safety issue, that keeps homeowners safe
2. The rules are driven by protecting preservation areas
3. The rules are related to resale value of homes and creating such an eye sore, other home values suffer
4. Putting up anything considered offensive, in regards to language etc..
If people are allowed to put up political signs with names, I don't see why they couldn't put up Jesus' name.