Portland, USA - The Maine Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal lawsuit claiming city officials violated the rights of Afghan Muslims who want to use a building as a mosque.
The former TV repair shop property is zoned commercial. Conditional uses for religious purposes are permitted, but rules require such properties be at least an acre. The site is one-third of that size.
The MCLU argued in the suit filed Aug. 13 that laws protecting religious rights supersede local zoning. Plaintiffs are the Portland Masjid and Islamic Center, the building's owner, Sadri Shir, and her husband, Nawad Shir.
City spokeswoman Nicole Clegg said officials have met with the plaintiffs and expect to continue talks.