Detroit suburb sued over struggle to open a mosque

TROY, Mich. (AP) - A Muslim group that wants to turn a commercial building into a mosque is suing a Detroit suburb over rejection of the plan.

The lawsuit accuses Troy of violating a federal law that is intended to accommodate religious groups. The Adam Community Center says zoning officials have repeatedly rejected requests for variances on the building.

Amy Doukoure, an attorney with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, says Troy is “apparently guided by Islamophobia.”

Troy’s attorney says the city will vigorously defend its decisions in court. Lori Grigg Bluhm says Troy has offered many reasons why a community center and mosque doesn’t fit an area near residential neighborhoods.

Sterling Heights was sued by the U.S. Justice Department over its denial of a mosque. A settlement allowed the mosque to be built.