Building Faith:  Protecting Religious Freedom Through Land Use Laws

Co-Sponsors:  Duquesne University School of Law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice

In recent years, legal disputes between communities of faith and municipalities across the country have increased, including here in Western Pennsylvania.  For example, zoning regulations may conflict with the plans of communities of faith to build or expand houses of worship, religious schools, or cemeteries. 

Come join this discussion to learn how federal law – in particular, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) – affects local land use and zoning policy by carving out vital protections for faith communities, while imposing reasonable obligations upon municipal entities. 

Our panelists will also discuss how religious communities have used RLUIPA to protect themselves from discriminatory practices and processes, and how municipal entities have responded to these issues.

Details

Date:  June 17, 2019

Duquesne Law School, 900 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA; Room TBD

Doors open 6:00 pm, event begins promptly at 6:30 and runs until 8:00 pm

Light refreshments will be served

CLE:  1.5 hours of Pennsylvania CLE credit pending

Registration is free; $45 for CLE credit REGISTER

Program

Introduction:  Scott W. Brady (United States Attorney)

Moderator:  Joseph Sabino Mistick (Duquesne Law School)

Panelists:

• Ryan Lee (DOJ Civil Rights)
• Pastor Harry Hoff (Hope Rising Community Church)
• Deborah Lawlor, FAICP (Maser Consulting, President of the American Institute of Certified Planners)
• Ira Karoll (U.S. Attorney’s Office)