Freedom of religion is one of the most protected rights in the United States. Among the laws that uphold this right are the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from making any law advocating or inhibiting the practice of religion. The Federal government has also passed several other laws that are designed to protect religious freedom, which include the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Because this law is particularly complicated, an overview of the basics of this law and how it affects Americans will follow below.

The Purpose of RLUIPA

Congress created RLUIPA to address the need for expanded religious protection in the area of land use. RLUIPA helps to increase the ability of religious institutions to exercise their objectives without facing restrictions when it comes to the use of their property. The lawmakers who made this law argued that religious assemblies are unable to function without a physical space adequate to their needs and religious requirements.

RLUIPA also helps to protect the right to religious exercise for institutionalized people. Because institutionalized individuals were often denied the chance to practice their religious beliefs, Congress wanted to make sure that there is a sufficient number of opportunities to do so.

The Land Use Laws of RLUIPA

RLUIPA prohibits zoning and other land use restrictions that substantially burden the religious exercise of churches as well as other religious assemblies. This prohibition applies in situation in which:

• The state or government entity imposing the burden receives financial funding
• The substantial burden affects interstate commerce
• The substantial burden rises from the state or local government’s formal or informal procedures
• The procedure applies to churches, religious schools, and other religious organizations

The Institutionalized Persons Provision of RLUIPA

RLUIPA’s institutionalized persons provisions are designed to keep officials from placing arbitrary restrictions on the practice of religious beliefs. Prisoners lose certain rights upon their imprisonment, but always maintain First Amendment rights. RLUIPA, however, prohibits regulations that impose a substantial burden on prisoners’ religious exercise. Regulations that are classified as a substantial burden are only permitted if the government is able to meet the standard that the regulations are the least restrictive way to achieve a compelling interest.

How RLUIPA is Applied by Courts

Courts review RLUIPA cases with five principles in mind:

• Religious organizations benefit the public welfare.  
• A refusal exists to second-guess legitimately held religious beliefs.
• Local ordinance boards that are responsible for implementing zoning laws must make sure to follow every effort to accommodate religious use
• Religious use of land can not be prohibited in a residential area; the prohibition of religious use of land in a commercial area is uncertain
• There are many legitimate reasons behind zoning, but taxing is not one of them

Speak with an Experienced Land Use Attorney

If you are part of a religious congregation that is subject to discriminatory zoning laws, you should not hesitate to obtain the assistance of an experienced zoning law attorney. The attorneys at Resnick Law are also prepared to help individuals whose rights have been violated under RLUIPA. Contact our law office today to schedule an initial free case evaluation.

(image courtesy of Isaac Ordaz)