Religion Roundup
Buddhist Monks Sue Virginia Beach over Denial of Permit
Associated Press
October 2, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Buddhist monks who were denied a permit to hold services in their home have filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The Buddhist Education Center of America claims the city violated its constitutional religious rights as well as a federal law aimed at protecting faith organizations' land-use rights.
The City Council voted in August to deny the monks a two-year permit extension, forcing them to stop holding Sunday services at their home. Five monks live on the rural property.
Some neighbors had complained that the services drew too much traffic for a mostly residential area.
A city attorney insists the council made its decision based on land-use issues, not religion.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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