Rex Murphy: Testing America’s tolerance

[lizbud]

Building and zoning are local laws, however, the right to freedom from government interference in practicing one's religion overrides zoning laws. They cannot simply state "No mosques in X radius around the WTC site"

Not saying that NY should do that, but it would make an interesting
case in court. All cities have zoning laws that forbid specific tyes of buildings
or businesses from certain areas of the city. Banning them from building in
a specific area, does not infringe on their right to build & worship(whatever)
in another location.

[Lady's Human]

Not saying that NY should do that, but it would make an interesting
case in court. All cities have zoning laws that forbid specific tyes of buildings
or businesses from certain areas of the city. Banning them from building in
a specific area, does not infringe on their right to build & worship(whatever)
in another location.

Yes, but a change in zoning laws at this point would be a blatant violation of the first amendment.

Had the ordinance been in place prior to their purchase of the property, it would be different.