L.A Times - Opponents of a new 10,000 sq ft mosque being built in Tennessee filed suit last month.
They charged county officials did not properly notify the community about the proposal, and they argued that Islam is not a valid religion but instead a political cause to force the United States to adopt Muslim laws.
Thomas E. Perez, U.S. Asst Attorney General said local officials have an obligation to treat a mosque the same as a church or synagogue. "It is required by federal law.'', says Perez.
Perez and Jerry E. Martin, the top federal prosecutor in central Tennessee, noted that their decision to intervene comes on the 10th anniversary of a federal law which bars local officials from using zoning or land-use laws to discriminate against religious groups.
Since 2000, the DOJ has opened 51 such investigations, filed seven lawsuits and joined in 40 privately filed suits.
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