Injunction Halts Zoning Decision Barring New Jersey Mosque

Written by Don ByrdA federal judge in New Jersey has granted a preliminary injunction barring a zoning decision by the Town of Bridgewater. A Muslim group requested the injunction after the zoning change, which took place after they purchased land, blocked their plan to build a mosque. Relying on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), the judge found the zoning decision would cause the group irreparable harm placing a substantial burden on their religious exercise without the government likely able to demonstrate a compelling interest in the move.

New Survey: Workplace Religious Discrimination Rampant

Written by Don Byrd
a federal court in New Jersey ruled a workplace discrimination lawsuit can proceed against Dollar General for refusing to accommodate the plaintiff’s religious mandate not to work on Saturday. The suit is proceeding not as a civil rights case at this time (though the plaintiff is allowed to resubmit his complaint to properly allege that claim), but as a breach of contract. He claims he and his employer entered into an agreement to allow him not to work on Saturdays in accordance with his faith.

Meanwhile, a new survey from the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Study shows a disturbingly high level of religious discrimination in the workplace across the country.