The Justice Department yesterday announced a settlement with Henrico County, Virginia over its refusal to grant a zoning request allowing for a mosque on land purchased by a Muslim group. The agreement resolves a lawsuit charging the county with violating the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
As part of the settlement, the county has agreed to treat the mosque and all religious groups equally and to publicize its non-discrimination policies and practices. The county also agreed that its leaders and various county employees will attend training on the requirements of RLUIPA. In addition, the county will report periodically to the Justice Department.
Mosque-deniers across the country are gradually coming to know RLUIPA, and to know that this Department of Justice is serious about its enforcement.
