In the lawsuit he filed on his own behalf Tuesday in U.S. District Court Fresno, Bell said that on Jan. 13, at the Ming Avenue parking lot of the toy retailer, he was offering cards for donations on behalf of his Jesusian Foundation and the Jural Society,which he described as unincorporated educational associations.
His offerings included Social Security cardsand picture identification Commonlaw Travel Permits, which he contends allow people to travel on public roads. He asked for a $10 donation for the Social Security cards and a $20 donation for the travel permits.
Bell's lawsuit contends that just as Jesus did not have a license to be a carpenter or a permit to be in the Palm Sunday parade, he doesn't have to have any permits or licenses to solicit donations for his beliefs.
His complaint alleges false arrest, and obstruction of constitutional rights to freedom of religion, speech and press.