Indianapolis city officials accused of religious discrimination March 6, 2007
Posted by C.A.R.D in ADF, anti-Christian, Baptist Church of the Westside, Card, Christian, Christians, Citizens Against Racism and Discrimination, city zoning, David Langdon, Discriminate, Discrimination, Indianapolis, Indianapolis discrimination, zoning code discrimination.comments closed
A Baptist church in Indianapolis is standing its ground in a dispute with city officials over alleged violations concerning zoning codes. The Alliance Defense Fund is appealing the decision of a federal judge that could prevent the church members from meeting in their leased facilities.
Last month, city officials in Indianapolis sent a letter to the Baptist Church of the Westside, where members meet regularly at their leased building for worship and other church-related activities. The letter said the church’s “religious use” of the property violated the city’s zoning code.
A federal district court has refused to halt enforcement of the zoning code, so ADF attorneys are appealing that decision. David Langdon, an allied attorney with ADF, says churches should not be relegated to second-class status by city zoning officials.
“The city has indicated that they’re going to pursue legal action against the church, which could involve severe fines up to $2,500 a day as well as possibly seek an injunction from a court shutting them down, preventing them from meeting and from worshipping on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday nights and so forth.”
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