The Region - News from April 15, 1985

Fortune telling for profit by members of a so-called psychic science church is “worthless and deceptive” and should be banned, an attorney for Azusa has told the state Supreme Court. Peter Thorson argued that his city’s ordinance against fortune telling protects the public against a worthless and deceptive practice and should be upheld. The ordinance is being tested by members of the Spiritual Psychic Science Church of Truth, who want to continue giving readings for money. Their attorney, Gary Fisher, argued that the ordinance also prohibits Bible readings for profit. The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled a year ago that Azusa’s ban on fortune telling violated the constitutional right to freedom of speech. Azusa appealed the appellate court ruling to the Supreme Court.