Yesterday, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) reported on the case of Garden State Islamic Center v. City of Vineland. The case involves Garden State Islamic Center’s plans to build a mosque. The United States filed a Statement of
Latest from RLUIPA Defense Blog - Page 4
4th Circuit Rules Ethnic Bias Gives Rise to RLUIPA Claim
Last week, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed a lower court’s decision dismissing a church’s religious discrimination claims. In doing so, the Fourth Circuit found that the church had properly alleged claims under RLUIPA based
7th Circuit Rules Church’s RLUIPA Claims Against Markham, Illinois Ripe for Review
The Seventh Circuit recently reversed a district court’s decision finding a church’s RLUIPA claims were unripe and moot because it was granted parking variances and a conditional use permit after the church brought suit. The case involves the Church of
Upcoming Webinar – Planning and Law Caselaw Update
The Planning and Law Division of the American Planning Association is pleased to host the upcoming webcast Planning and Law Caselaw Update on Thursday, January 31, 2019, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. ET. Registration for individual PLD members is $20 and
Clifton, NJ Pays $2.5 Million to Settle RLUIPA Dispute
Clifton, New Jersey has agreed to pay a Jewish congregation $2.5 million and will allow it to construct a synagogue. Congregation Shomrei Torah/Tiferes Boruch asked for permission to build a synagogue 11 years ago. The congregation had to appear before
Recap of the Top Read Blog Posts in 2018
As New Year’s approaches, let’s look back at last year’s happenings and how they have shaped religious land use issues across the nation. Here are our top 10 most read blog posts of 2018:
Tis The Season for Controversial Holiday Displays
The holidays are upon us. That means spending time with loved ones, good food, presents, and, of course, controversial holiday displays. Under the First Amendment, government must treat all religions equally and cannot take any action that would unreasonably burden
Proposed Law in Woodbury, New York Would Require Permits for Eruvin
The Village Board for the Village of Woodbury, New York (“Village”) is considering a new law that would require a permit in order to erect or maintain an eruv in any public street, right-of-way or easement. For those not familiar
Coconut Creek, Florida Amends Zoning Code Following DOJ’s RLUIPA Investigation
Recently, the Department of Justice reported that it has closed its investigation into whether the City of Coconut Creek’s zoning code violated RLUIPA’s equal terms provision by treating secular assembly uses better than religious uses. Below is the DOJ’s full
Islamic Community Center Denied Variance Needed to Operate Mosque; Files Lawsuit Against Michigan City
Earlier this month, an Islamic community center filed suit against the City of Troy, Michigan (“City”) after the City denied the group’s application for a variance needed to operate a mosque at the property it owns in the City, allegedly