… just under the radar and not out in the open. Seems any changes made after an overwhelming turnout of concerned citizens at last week’s city council meeting had no real effect on its members. Changes made to the charter were superficial and unsubstantial. Why does government, on any level, think they have the right to dictate to you how you raise your children? Read the following statement from HSLDA concerning the “changes” made by Belleville’s leadership to the daytime curfew issue.

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends in Belleville:

Following your awesome showing at the last Board of Aldermen meeting, the Chief of Police agreed to revise the proposed daytime curfew ordinance.

We have now had an opportunity to analyze his revisions. They are for the most part mere window dressing. They do not change the fundamental nature of the ordinance as a daytime curfew.

Scripture acknowledges the government’s role in making people fear to do wrong. But a daytime curfew makes people fear to do what is right.

HSLDA, Illinois Christian Home Educators, and local homeschool leaders will continue to work to protect the fundamental liberty of freedom of movement in Belleville.

Action Requested

NOTE:  Please take action only if you live in the Belleville area.
1.) Clear your calendar for the evening of July 5 at 7:00 p.m. The Board of Aldermen will bring up the ordinance for consideration at that time.

2.) If you have a personal line of communication with any aldermen, contact them personally and ask for their support in preventing a daytime curfew.

Background

The basic change in the revised ordinance is that the daytime curfew provisions were shifted from section 30-1-33 to section 30-1-44.

The revised ordinance deletes all references to homeschooling. While this is an appropriate change, the ordinance remains repugnant to fundamental freedom because it criminalizes the basic human right to move about during the daytime.

Daytime curfews tend to spawn litigation. If Belleville enacts a daytime curfew, another loser could be the taxpayer—who will be given the city’s legal bill to pay if a lawsuit follows some day.

Thank you for standing with us for freedom!

Scott A. Woodruff
HSLDA Senior Counsel