Gagliardi v. The City of Boca Raton

Residents of Boca Raton, Florida claimed that the City violated the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause when it adjusted its zoning rules to approve the development plans for the Chabad of East Boca. They sued the City of Boca Raton to stop the construction of the new synagogue. Chabad of East Boca intervened in the litigation, to defend their right to build a new Chabad House.

The Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty submitted an in support of Chabad’s appeal. We explained that the City’s zoning decision does not violate the Establishment Clause. Rather, the approval to build the permit was the outcome of the regular political process. Moreover, this type of lawsuit harms religions, like Judaism, that may require the government to cooperate in order to fulfill their religious obligations. The zoning process should protect everyone equally—including those of faith.

The full brief is available for download here.