RNA - It should come as no surprise that a federal court has upheld the right of a religious organization to build a house of worship in Bernards Township in Somerset County. This is a nation founded on the principle of religious liberty. But what is unfortunate is that a proposed mosque by the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge has become a federal case — literally.
The mosque was before the township Planning Board nearly 40 times over four years before planners rejected it. The board argued the mosque would require more parking spaces than other houses of worship because of its belief that members of the mosque would arrive for Friday services straight from work with each driving their own vehicle.
U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp rejected this explanation, noting there was no evidence the township considered the worship habits of those attending churches and synagogues when they were approved. By singling out the perceived habits of Muslims, the judge concluded the township violated the federal Religious Land Use and Institutional Persons Act.
That law simply reinforces the traditional notion that all people in the United States have the right to practice their religion. Its importance can’t be overstated when many minority religious groups, including Muslims, Jews and some non-mainstream Christian organizations, continue to encounter government roadblocks when trying to locate houses of worship.
Since 9/11, mosques and Islamic groups have faced particular difficulties. Many times, as in Bernards Township, opponents use parking, zoning laws or sewage requirements in an attempt to give their opposition a respectable face.
And it is not just Muslims who can face community opposition. In Woodcliff Lake, Valley Chabad has been trying to build a house of worship for many years and has met continued resistance from the borough’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. In November 2016, Valley Chabad filed a lawsuit against the borough alleging its civil rights have been violated.
Officials in Bernards Township now have to decide whether they will appeal the judge’s decision. We hope common sense prevails.
What’s at stake here is not only a mosque, but the reputation of a township that is home to an affluent, well-educated population. Opposing religious freedom would be a foolish and regrettable decision.
In a bit of irony, the mosque’s proposed location is in the Liberty Corner section of the township. Supporting religious freedom would be one way for officials to ensure that part of town lives up to its name.
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