Near Chicago, A Zoning Change Inflames Religious Tension

Three separate mosque projects, planned to serve DuPage County's growing Muslim population, have been delayed by land use authorities, who say the project sites lack adequate water, sewage, parking and traffic infrastructure. Now, the County Board is considering a new ordinance that would effectively ban new construction of mosques and other houses of worship in residential areas while also making it easier for congregations to build in commercial and industrial areas, which officials say have greater capacity for growth.

Muslim leaders across the state say they face increasing resistance to new mosques, especially in light of national controversies like the Park51 project in New York City. However, DuPage County church leaders say that they too have recently experienced difficulties getting approval for new building projects. County leaders deny charges of discrimination.

Youseff writes:

'Proponents say the rules would be even-handed, but others suspect the restrictions target Muslims at a time when they're building more mosques there. And for many, that question has become a major undercurrent of the zoning debate: is it really about land use or is it about discrimination?'