In a press release issued Jan. 3, 2025, First Liberty said, “While city officials demand the church install an expensive fire suppression system, the city does not require all of its motels, most of its apartment complexes, and even a senior living facility to install fire suppression systems in their buildings.”
As a result of being found guilty of violating city fire codes, Avell faces a $200 fine, as well as $114 in costs related to the case, and 60 days in jail. The disposition stipulates that the pastor will have no violations for the next two years and will comply with the fire codes.
Bryan Municipal Court Judge Kent North handed down the decision and also stayed the penalties for 30 days to allow Avell’s defense to appeal, which First Liberty has said it will do.
First Liberty Institute responded to a request for comment by referring ChurchLeaders to its press release about the verdict and to a video by Attorney Ryan Gardner.
Mayor Carrie Schlade responded to ChurchLeaders’ request for comment and explained that the city has not had any business owner fail to comply with the fire chief on zoning code violations. The city is doing its best not to shut the church’s doors, said Schlade, because she does believe doing so would violate the church’s religious freedom.
Moreover, the initial inspections of Dad’s Place found violations of city codes for a church assembly, not zoning violations for a residence. Residential violations were added later once the city had proof the church was being used to house people.
“We were not in fact moving goal post,” said Schlade, who noted that the city’s latest criminal charges were filed in April, when it was not winter, and said the defense had delayed the legal process.
This article has been updated with comments from Mayor Carrie Schlade.
