Objective coverage of church-state and religious liberty developments, with extensive links to primary sources.
Friday, October 04, 2013
Mosque Wins Preliminary Injunction Barring Enforcement of Zoning Change
In Al Falah Center v. City of Bridgewater, (D NJ, Sept. 30, 2013), a New Jersey federal district issued a preliminary injunction against enforcement of a zoning law change enacted quickly after a Muslim group applied for a permit to construct a mosque on land it had acquired. The new ordinance barred houses of worship on the newly-acquired land. The court found a likelihood of success as to plaintiff's RLUIPA substantial burden claim. The court also denied defendants' motion for summary judgment on free exercise, equal protection and RLUIPA claims. The Newark Star-Ledger reports on the decision. Brennan Center has further background and links to pleadings in the case.