America’s Holy War
If religious rights are enshrined in the Constitution, why did Congress need to pass the Religious Land Use and Institutionalised Persons Act (RLUIPA) in 2000? A law that sets aside environmental laws, undermines established zoning and planning rules. A law that has divided residents in established communities from some religious groups with a need for housing and houses of worship. This story reveals the disturbing, unintended consequences of RLUIPA in one New York State community – hearing and seeing the issues from both sides.