Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
The Substantial Burden Of Municipal Zoning: The Religious Freedom Restoration Act As A Means To Consistent Protection For Church-Sponsored Homeless Shelters And Soup Kitchens, Marc-Olivier Langlois
The Substantial Burden Of Municipal Zoning: The Religious Freedom Restoration Act As A Means To Consistent Protection For Church-Sponsored Homeless Shelters And Soup Kitchens, Marc-Olivier Langlois
William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal
Despite the increase in poverty and homelessness in the United States, many municipalities are attempting to use zoning regulations to limit the spread of church-sponsored programs that minister to the poor. Although the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) suggests that courts should find churchsponsored programs exempt from the burdens of municipal zoning, recent decisions in federal courts demonstrate that church-sponsored homeless shelters and soup kitchens will receive the same inconsistent protection they received under traditional Free Exercise Clause analysis. This Note argues that enforcement of zoning regulations places a substantial burden on church-sponsored programs that minister to the …