Religious Discrimination Claims Precede Plainfield Officials' Go-Ahead Vote For Muslim Center

PLAINFIELD, IL - Plainfield village officials gave the green light this week for a Muslim community center to move forward, replacing a former Route 126 church and school.

More than 100 people attended the Monday evening meeting, where the overwhelming majority supported the community center, according to an NBC report.

Those not supporting the center referenced parking and traffic concerns, which led to a no-vote in August.

"Many at the meeting didn't understand why some members of the board would vote down the center — if a Methodist church had been their before," the NBC story said. "But after residents claimed religious discrimination — the board reconsidered that vote and approved it."

The Islamic Foundation of the Southwest Suburbs purchased the former church site earlier this year for $580,000 and submitted a request for special use to permit religious assembly.

Read more on Patch:

• 'Stand With Muslims In Plainfield' Event Planned After Muslim Center Voted Down
• Plainfield Board Fails To Vote On Muslim Community Center
• Muslim Center Voted Down, Plainfield Board Tables Rec Center Proposal

Image via GoFundMe