RLUIPA
Living Water Church of God v Meridian Township
Case No: 05 – 2309 (2007)
Issue: RLUIPA – special use permit
Background: In 1994 Living Water received a special use permit for a building of less than 25,000 square feet to be used as a sanctuary and daycare center. In 2000, Living Water received a permit for a 28,500 square-foot elementary school; however, the permit expired in 2001. A special use permit application submitted in 2003 for a building totaling 34,989 square feet was ultimately denied. Living Water claimed that the township’s denial was a violation of RLUIPA. The federal district court held that the township’s denial imposed a substantial burden on Living Water’s religious exercise, that the denial did not further a compelling governmental interest, and that it was not the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest. Why did the LDF get involved? |
What action did the LDF take? Filed a co-amicus brief with the Michigan Townships Association with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals What was the outcome? Who prepared the amicus brief? |