Religion Roundup
Maine Rabbi Fights Order to Halt Prayer Meetings
Associated Press
August 20, 2008
PORTLAND, Maine - A rabbi is challenging an order by the city of Portland, Maine, to halt weekly prayer meetings at his home because they violate zoning regulations.
Rabbi Moshe Wilansky, with the backing of the Maine Civil Liberties Union, has asked the Zoning Board of Appeals to annul the order because it conflicts with his right to practice his religion.
At issue is whether Wilansky's home is a residence or a place of worship. The rabbi says it's a house, but the city says the religious group he heads advertises it on its Web site as a place of worship.
The order to halt services stemmed from complaints that worshippers park too many cars along the street, blocking snow plows and trash trucks.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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