A Chesterfield tarot card reader and spiritual counselor has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the county has violated her constitutional rights after misclassifying her business and denying her a license.
From the Courthouse News Service:
In her federal complaint, Sophie King says she is “not interested in future events,” but offers spiritual counseling through “tarot, Reiki, energy healing, astrology and psychic, clairvoyant, clairaudient, and medium abilities.”
She claims Chesterfield County unconstitutionally classifies her as “engaged in the occupation of occult sciences,” and subject to its business tax and zoning rules. King says the tax is excessive and violates her First Amendment rights. She points out that other businesses, including itinerant merchants and peddlers, adult businesses and nightclubs pay significantly less in taxes.
“Fortune-tellers” in Chesterfield are subject to quite a bit of burdensome regulation. They must pay a $300 tax to get a business license. Most businesses that make less than $10,000 a year do not have to pay a business license tax, and nightclubs and adult businesses only pay $100. Also, to get a business license a “fortune-teller” must submit a list of five references from the county to the Chief of Police for approval. They are also restricted to a single zoning designation which is also reserved for adult businesses, scrap yards and pawn shops. Even then, they must get a conditional use permit.
King seeks the court to declare the county’s regulations unconstitutional, in addition to compensatory damages.
You can read the full case filing below:
Yet another attack on freedom by people who feel that they know better than othes. She has a clear first ammedment right to say whatever, and other adults can forfeit their hard earned money to her if they should choose. This is a clear case of infringement. What country does the County of Chesterfield think we live in, North Korea where dissent from the norm is not allowed?
There are quite a few places that treat spiritual advisers, astrologers and psychics this way. Jacksonville, Florida (very large city) feels as though these types of business should be in the ‘red light district’ as well. It truly is a shame. Business have to resort to working out of their homes (even then they can get in trouble, jail or fined) or live outside the city limits.
Good for Patricia for standing up for her rights and those around her. Her attorney should contact others in her business and file a class action suite.
If you are putting this business that causes less trouble than a nightclub in the same area you might as well charge the same tax. I don’t agree with the business model in this case, and but it’s like why charge 3x tax on a business model that uses less county resources (police)?