by Jayla Ward, Digital Content Specialist • 1 minute
Banning a church from a space that any other organization or business could use is wrong and unconstitutional.
The Town of Troy, North Carolina told True Worship Ministries to stop renting a temporary event space because the church’s gatherings are religious.
True Worship Ministries is renting the space until it can transition to a new, permanent location. The space is operated by The Innovative Action Center, a nonprofit focused on providing a place where minority communities can gather for business or community purposes.
The town sent a cease-and-desist letter along with a warning citation. It says they’re violating the zoning ordinance because churches are not allowed in the Main Street zone.
“The church is simply asking to be treated like any other entity or temporary renter in the area,” said Ryan Gardner, Senior Counsel at First Liberty. “The First Amendment and federal law protect the right of churches to operate free from unreasonable and intrusive government interference.”
First Liberty sent a demand letter stating that the city’s ordinance that specifically targets and excludes churches is unlawful under the First Amendment and federal law.
