Religious Freedom or HOA Overreach? Jeremy Morris Fights for Property Rights
HAYDEN, IDAHO – Attorney Jeremy Morris, known as the “Christmas Lawyer”, is taking his long-standing feud with a homeowners association (HOA) to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that his case is a crucial test for religious freedom and property rights.
The Battle Over Christmas Lights
Morris first made headlines in 2015 after hosting an extravagant five-day Christmas light show featuring:
700,000 twinkling lights
A live camel named Dolly
A children’s choir
Santa Claus testifying in court
The event, held just outside Hayden, Idaho, attracted thousands of visitors but also friction with his HOA. The West Hayden Estates HOA claimed the display violated neighborhood rules regarding brightness, noise, and traffic.
HOA’s Letter Sparks Controversy
In January 2015, the HOA sent Morris a warning letter, stating that the Christmas display might violate community covenants. However, the letter also questioned whether “non-Christians” would find the display offensive.
Morris fired back, calling the HOA’s stance religious discrimination. Undeterred, he purchased the home and moved in, preparing for another spectacular Christmas show.
Legal Battle Escalates: Jury Sides with Morris, Judge Overturns Verdict
As tensions rose, Morris sued the HOA in 2017, citing violations of the Fair Housing Act. A jury unanimously ruled in his favor, awarding him $75,000.
However, Federal Judge B. Lynn Winmill took the unusual step of overturning the jury’s verdict. Instead of compensation, Morris was ordered to pay over $111,000 in legal fees. The judge ruled that the case was not about religious discrimination but rather about violating HOA regulations.
Morris Takes the Fight to the Supreme Court
Refusing to back down, Morris appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which issued a split ruling:
Agreed: The HOA’s actions were partially motivated by Morris’ religious expression.
Denied: The jury’s verdict should not have stood.
Rather than accepting a new trial, Morris is now petitioning the Supreme Court, hoping for a final ruling on religious freedom and property rights.
HOA’s Response: “Isolated Dispute” Not Worth Supreme Court’s Time
The HOA, represented by attorney Peter Smith, declined to oppose Morris’ Supreme Court petition, arguing that SCOTUS is unlikely to take the case.
“This is an isolated dispute between a homeowner and an HOA,” Smith told Fox News Digital, adding that the Supreme Court receives over 7,000 case requests annually, but reviews fewer than 100.
What’s Next for the ‘Christmas Lawyer’?
Morris, who has since moved out of Idaho, remains hopeful that his case will set a national precedent.
“This case isn’t just about Christmas lights,” he said. “It’s about the right to celebrate our faith, use our property freely, and have a jury’s verdict respected.”
With 349,000 Idaho residents living in HOA-governed neighborhoods, the outcome of this case could impact HOA policies nationwide.
Source: Fox News
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