The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a decision by Hendricks County, Indiana, to pay a fine to an Islamic organization after denying them the right to develop land in violation of the Fair Housing Act and the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
Hendricks County has agreed to pay $295,000 to Al Hussnain Inc., an Islamic religious organization that was denied the right to develop a seminary, a school, and homes. Local residents signed petitions and encouraged people who were “anti-Islamic” to express their opinions, the Department of Justice said.
SEE: Hendricks County agrees to pay fines after denying Islamic group
“We welcome this decision as a victory for religious freedom not only for Muslims in Indiana but for all Americans who value religious diversity and inclusion,” said CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison. “All communities of faith should have the right to build their houses of worship and educational institutions.”
END
CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com