Ministry Fights City for the Right to Serve the Needy

"Zoning permits should not be used to blackball an organization that is serving those considered undesirable.” - Larry Crain, ACLJ Sr. Attorney

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2010— A Christian nonprofit organization is not taking the denial of a zoning permit by the city of Bristol, Conn., lying down. 

On behalf of Turning Point Christian Center, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has issued the city of Bristol a demand letter informing them that their recent denial of a zoning permit violates several federal laws including the Fair Housing Act (FHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).  The city has until Friday, Sept. 3, to respond to the letter from the ACLJ, America's leading conservative public interest law firm.  If the city fails to respond in a timely fashion, the ACLJ will file suit in federal court on behalf of Turning Point Christian Center.

The city's denial of a zoning permit has placed in jeopardy the Christian nonprofit organization's residential home for substance abusers.  Unless Turning Point can obtain a proper permit from the city, the ministry will be forced to vacate the premises.

"What is at stake here is the ability of a ministry to fulfill its calling to serve those in need," said ACLJ attorney Larry Crain.  "The city of Bristol is violating both the law and the rights of Turning Point Christian Center by denying a zoning permit."

ACLJ is also in the process of finalizing an appeal - with the help of local counsel - to be filed in the superior court in Connecticut.  The appeal is expected to be filed tomorrow.

Interview Opportunities:

• ACLJ Sr. Attorney Larry Crain
• ACLJ Attorney Abby Southerland    

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org. 

-30-