Waukegan, Illinois officials, apparently as part of an urban revitalization effort, have begun to enforce city zoning laws that prohibit places of worship and religious organizations in areas zoned for business. Last Monday, God's Hand Extended Mercy Mission filed suit against the city in federal court seeking a declaration that this exclusion of religious groups violates the Constitution's free exercise and equal protection clauses. Suburban Chicago News reports that on Wednesday attorneys for both sides agreed to discuss other possible sites for the Mission that has operated in its current location for at least 18 years. The court is expected to issue an order suspending penalties against the Mission for 30 days while negotiations are going on, even though the city has already issued a formal order requiring the Mission to relocate by July 21.
UPDATE: Here is a copy of the court's order prohibiting enforcement of the zoning ordinance for 30 days, from Alliance Defense Fund.
