In May, the U.S. Department of Justice entered into a settlement with Bernards Township, a local government body in New Jersey that refused to permit the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge to build a new mosque for over five years. Bernards Township cited zoning ordinances in its effort to block construction. Under the terms of the religious discrimination settlement, the local Muslim community will finally be
allowed to build their house of worship, and leaders of the township will be required to undergo training on religious freedom laws.
The Sikh Coalition signed onto an amicus, or “friend of the court,” brief for the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge because of the township’s clear attempt to thwart religious freedom and because the case has implications for minority faiths around the country.
Also in May, a federal appeals court
rejected the Trump administration’s second immigration-related executive order, which
may be considered by the Supreme Court. The Sikh Coalition rejects this order as unconstitutional and will continue to stand in solidarity with Muslims and other communities subject to discrimination because of nationality or religion. As members of an interfaith coalition represented by the law firm of Covington & Burling, we have signed onto several amicus briefs supporting challenges to the executive order. We support an immigration system that treats people with fairness and dignity, not one based on stereotypes masquerading as law.
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