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Condo Association In Connecticut Reverses Ban On Religious Objects On Doors

STRATFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - A Connecticut condominium association has reversed its decision to ban the display of religious objects after a woman put a mezuzah on her door.

WCBS 880's Paul Murnane On The Story

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A mezuzah is a small container containing parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah. It is Jewish tradition to place them on exterior doors.

Condo owner Barbara Cadranel said Tuesday that the order to pull down the mezuzah in the first place has left her feeling violated.

"I never even knew that you couldn't have one anywhere. Maybe I'm too urban," she told WCBS 880 reporter Paul Murnane. "My life has been totally interrupted the past two and a half months."

The California Condominium Association of Stratford called the dispute a misunderstanding.

"The California Condomnium Association regrets this incident and condemns any and all forms of discrimination of every nature," lawyer Kurt Ahlberg said in a letter published in the Connecticut Post. "It was never our intent to discriminate against Ms. Cadranel, nor cause her any discomfort, embarrassment or distress. The association is a diverse community that welcomes residents of all faiths."

State lawmakers are looking to write legislation to prevent a situation like this from arising in the future.

St. Sen. Martin Looney believes legislation can be narrowly drawn so as to prevent abuse on freedom on religion and speech grounds.

"Anything that threatened public health or safety would not be protected or in violation of a law or anything that contains language, graphics or any display that is patently offensive," he said.

St. Sen. Bob Duff is also backing the measure.

Anti-Defamation League regional director Gary Jones said the issue has come up before and legislation can prevent misunderstandings in the future and embarrassment for other condo boards.

Do you have something to say about the issue? Sound off in the comments section below.

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