Can a ‘No Soliciting’ Sign Actually Stop Religious Door‑Knockers in Michigan?

I am a Lansing, Michigan resident. So, I find it helpful to be a part of local Facebook groups. That way, I can keep up on what's happening in my neighborhood.

As such, I saw something recently that got me thinking.

Local Lansing Facebook Groups

Someone in the Eastside Neighborhood Organization Facebook group shared a Ring doorbell picture. The picture appears to show two young men dressed in business casual clothes and wearing name tags standing on their porch.

They say they live in the Northside/Eastside area of Lansing and allege these two young men have repeatedly shown up to their house, pounded on the door, and rang the doorbell... despite being told numerous times to leave.

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The two men would never say what they wanted, so this Lansing local took to Facebook looking for answers.

Out of the dozens of comments received on this post, just about everyone came to the same conclusion: The nametags the men are wearing look like that of the Latter Day Saints when they come to your door to talk about their religion.

READ MORE: When You Can Legally Set Off Fireworks in Michigan

So, what can you do when you're receiving unwanted religious visitors?

You might think that a "No Soliciting" sign might do the trick. But, you'd be wrong.

What Does a ‘No Soliciting’ Sign Do in Michigan?

According to Michigan law,

Solicitors and peddlers with permits are prohibited from entering a residence under a pretense other than for soliciting or peddling, remaining in a private residence after being asked to leave, entering the premises of a private residence to solicit or peddle when the occupant has displayed a “no soliciting” or “no peddling” sign

And different localities in Michigan have different ordinances. An example would be different time frames in which people can door-to-door solicit. But, one thing remains true: if you've got a "No Soliciting" sign, you shouldn't be solicited.

But technically, religious representatives aren't soliciting because there's usually nothing they want you to buy. They just want to talk to you about their religion.

What to Do When Religious Canvassers Won't Leave

So what can you do to prevent these unwanted intrusions?

• Ask the religious affiliate to leave
• Document the interaction; tell them they're trespassing and request that they leave, by video if possible
• Look up local laws and ordinances about what could be considered trespassing or harassment
• Tell the religious affiliate that calling the police is an option, particularly if they've already been asked to leave the property and they refuse
• Give them a verbal or written warning
• Make a police report

At the end of the day, no, your "No Soliciting" sign won't keep you from being pestered by God's disciples. But, it can help protect your peace, especially if you feel like you're being harassed.

Just because Jesus forgives, doesn't mean you need to let them bother you every other day at 3 in the afternoon.