In a significant legal development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a lawsuit against the City of Troy, Idaho, accusing it of religious discrimination. This lawsuit arises from the city’s denial of a conditional use permit requested by Christ Church, a growing congregation based in nearby Moscow, Idaho. The church sought this permit to hold worship services in Troy, a community of roughly 950 residents.
The DOJ’s 19-page complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, alleges that the city violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by denying the church’s application. According to the filing, Christ Church has experienced significant growth and is currently unable to accommodate its congregation at a single location, prompting the need for additional worship sites.
Christ Church, led by Senior Pastor Douglas Wilson, has been vocal about its mission to promote traditional Christian values within the community. The church has expressed a desire to serve Troy residents, many of whom have historically traveled to Moscow for services. The DOJ’s complaint highlights that while the city permits various non-religious assemblies—such as clubs and museums—in its C-1 zoning district, it appears to have drawn the line when it comes to religious gatherings, allegedly due to public animus towards the church’s beliefs.
In a striking example of community sentiment, one written objection to the church’s permit stated, "I do not want Christ Church to be allowed to destroy another Idaho town. They are evil people spreading evil beliefs." This comment underscores the tensions that can arise when a growing religious community seeks to expand its reach.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to protecting religious freedoms, stating, "RLUIPA unequivocally forbids local governments from deciding zoning matters based on their dislike of certain religious groups." The DOJ is prepared to take action against jurisdictions that discriminate against religious organizations in land use matters.
The church’s efforts to establish a presence in Troy have included renting a local bar for Sunday services, which were held without incident until the city issued a cease-and-desist order, citing the need for a conditional use permit. Following this, a parish elder purchased a former bank building in Troy with plans to convert it into a space suitable for church services. However, the city denied the application for a conditional use permit, claiming that the church’s activities did not enhance the commercial district.
This situation is not unique to Christ Church. In a similar case, the DOJ recently backed a lawsuit filed by The Summit Church in North Carolina against local officials for allegedly discriminating against the church’s zoning application. Such cases highlight a growing trend where religious organizations face challenges in expanding their facilities or services due to local government opposition.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting religious liberties in America. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Christ Church but also for other congregations facing similar hurdles. The DOJ’s involvement underscores the federal government’s role in ensuring that local governments do not infringe upon the rights of religious organizations.
For more information about the ongoing legal battle and its implications for religious freedom in the United States, you can visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s official website. As this story develops, it will be crucial to monitor how it may influence the landscape of religious expression in communities across the nation.