The federal government last week sued a Michigan township for denying a zoning change that would allow construction of an Islamic school that has outgrown its nearby home.
The Justice Department, which filed the suit against Pittsfield Township near Ann Arbor, said in a news release the township violated a law that prohibits imposing land-use regulations that put a substantial burden on religious exercise.
The township in 2011 rejected Michigan Islamic Academy’s request to build on vacant land in a planned residential area. Opponents and officials raised concerns over traffic and other issues.
