BRITAIN-LEONARDO/ REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY ENTERTAINMENT)The Virgin Mary is seen from the artwork "The Virgin on the Rocks" by Leonardo da Vinci (1491-1508), at the National Gallery in London July 14, 2010. An 18-month project to restore Leonardo da Vinci's "Virgin of the Rocks" revealed the Renaissance artist likely painted the entire work himself rather than, as previously thought, with the help of his assistants. To match Reuters Life!
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A Pittsburgh, Pa. family is furious after being fined for displaying a Virgin Mary statue outside of their home.
The Vasko family is believed to have many religious statues inside of their home and claim to have had good intentions when they decided to place a 150 pound Virgin Mary statue outside of their Robinson Township condo.
"I had a Blessed Mother statue sitting out here...It was taken, the association – they stole it," Steven Vasko told KDKA2.
According to sources, the statue, which was placed under a window outside of the family condo, was removed by the Homeowners Association (HOA), angering Vasko.
The statue was allegedly in breach of the association's rules, which prohibits homeowners from placing anything on areas considered “common ground,” according to KDKA2.
HOA allegedly not only got rid of the Vasko family's beloved statue, but the family were also fined for each month that the statue has been displayed outside.
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"This is religious persecution. This is discrimination. Is it a losing battle to hold your ground? No," Vasko said.
The fines totaled more than $4,000 and the Vasko family were advised that until the fines are paid, the statue will not be returned.
"I have to pay a fine...would that be extortion or kidnapping? You tell me, I don’t know," Vasko fumed.
To add further insult to injury, HOA has taken away the family's right to park on their property until the fine is paid.
Vasko is expected to take further action against HOA, arguing that he and his family have been unfairly treated.
“I made a promise to the Blessed Mother and I’m keeping it,” Vasko said. “And this is about her. This isn’t about me.”
A representative from HOA could not be reached for comment.
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