Freedom Of Churches And Mosques Protected In...Arizona

[cal04]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/08/freedom-of-churches-and-mosques-protected-inarizona.php?ref=fpi

It turns out that there is a state in the union that has enacted a broad standard of religious equality that would fully allow for the development of religious community structures such as the Cordoba House in downtown New York City, without regard to the religion of the organizers. This center of enlightenment and civil libertarianism is none other than...Arizona!

That's right. The same state that passed a tough new immigration law this year, and flirted with one requiring presidential candidates to provide their birth certificates, also passed a law this year that would expand religious freedom in the matter of building houses of worship. And its conservative proponents fully acknowledge that it applies equally to Muslims as it does to Christians.

As the Arizona Republic reported:

State lawmakers strengthened churches' rights this year, passing a law that prohibits cities and towns from using zoning codes or land-use rules to restrict where religious facilities such as churches, mosques or synagogues can locate.

Planned mosques in New York, California and Tennessee have spurred community opposition recently. But any mosque planned for Arizona could build where it pleased, as long as it complied with any local zoning and building requirements that would apply to other development.

The law, considered the first of its kind, was backed by most of the Legislature's Republicans and opposed by most Democrats, who argued that it gives religious institutions preferential treatment over the concerns of cities or residents.

more at link

[d_r]

1. So If I lived in Arizona

And I don't, I could declare my house a "church" - regardless of zoning - and pay no property tax?

[mmonk]

2. Have there been any mosques built there lately?

[cal04]

3. According to this article a few after 9/11

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/08/18/20100818new-arizona-church-mosque-law.html

Arizona has about a dozen mosques, including a few that were built after 9/11. The two largest new facilities, the Islamic Center of the East Valley in Chandler and the Islamic Center of the Northeast Valley in Scottsdale, faced some opposition from neighbors arguing they would cause traffic problems, but the cities did not block the construction of the mosques.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. Parking and traffic is the major objection to most churches these days

The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 is the big player here and trumps most local attempts to block things. Sometimes the objections are revenue based.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/233304

[SargeUNN]

5. Don't let them fool you, there is a reason behind this

Here in the valley there are a couple of Mormon temples being built or planned to be built. Mormons are numerous here so they are protecting themselves more than standing for any principle.

[Rod85]

6. Surprised they haven't raided 3HO yet

There's a muslim-hindu spinoff in Arizona called 3HO that built itself a Waco style fortress complex I'm surprised the Fed's haven't raided yet.

It's good to see Arizona strengthened the law to protect these religious centers. You don't see good news in property rights too often in the United States.