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U.S. Justice Dept. says Troy zoning ordinances discriminate against religious groups

Judge's gavel with books on a desk
Pixabay.com

The city of Troy faces a second lawsuit alleging its zoning ordinances discriminate against religious groups. 

This time, it's the U.S. Department of Justice suing.  

The justice department lawsuit says Adam Community Center bought a building in one of Troy's business districts, intending to use it as a mosque.  But the city of Troy refused to grant zoning approval for such a use. 

The government says Troy's zoning ordinances treat places of worship worse than nonreligious assemblies, a violation of federal law. 

Adam Community Center is also suing Troy over the issue. 

The city says its zoning ordinances are not discriminatory and it will aggressively defend against the lawsuit.  

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.