MERIDEN, Conn. (WTIC Radio)_ The U.S. Justice Department and Connecticut's U.S. Attorney's Office comes to an agreement with the City of Meriden on the establishment of a mosque.
Federal prosecutors alleged Meriden violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 by denying the Omar Islamic Center's application and by maintaining a zoning code that treats religious assemblies and institutions on less than equal terms with nonreligious assemblies in nine zoning districts.
The City of Meriden denies that it imposed a substantial burden on the center’s religious exercises.
As part of the agreement, the City of Meriden has agreed to review and amend its zoning ordinance to be in compliance with RLUIPA zoning.