DC Christian Science Church Sues Over Historic Landmark Designation

Washington D.C.'s Third Church of Christ, Scientist, yesterday filed a federal lawsuit challenging a decision by the city's Historic Preservation Review Board (see prior posting) that prevents the church from tearing down its current building in order to construct a new church structure. Today's Washington Post reports the lawsuit alleges that designating the church an historic landmark violates its First Amendment free exercise rights as well as its rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Today's Washington Times reports on reactions to the lawsuit from both sides.