NY town blocks mosque expansion, sparks legal battle
A Muslim nonprofit is suing the Town of Oyster Bay in New York State for denying a mosque expansion project.
The group Muslims on Long Island and two congregants filed the federal lawsuit, alleging six years of opposition to upgrade Masjid Al-Baqi.
The lawsuit seeks to challenge what the organization describes as systemic discrimination and protect religious liberty.
The complaint claims the town changed parking laws in 2022, knowing the mosque couldn’t meet the new requirements.
The Muslim plaintiffs accuse officials and residents of discriminatory tactics, including Islamophobic social media posts.
Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker, who opposes the project, cited traffic and parking concerns.
Mosque leaders say expansion is critical for religious classes and community events.
They say children study on the prayer area floor due to a lack of classrooms.
Representing the plaintiffs, attorney Muhammad Faridi called the case a fight for religious freedom, emphasizing the right to worship without prejudice.
Oyster Bay officials dismissed the claims as baseless and insisted their policies ensure fairness.
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