5/28/11: Church Refused Permission to Run Home for Disabled Children

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Who could be opposed to a center meant to help mentally and emotionally challenged children? Apparently the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The city council has refused to allow a church to start a school program for the disabled children, despite a recommendation of approval by city planning officials.

The Alliance Defense Fund filed a lawsuit this week against the city, saying it is violating federal laws and that it has no real reasons to deny the permit. The legal group also suggested the church was being singled out for discrimination. The city council claimed the denial was based on denied a safety concerns.

Calvary Christian Church applied for the permit after pastor Michael Hirsch said he felt God leading him and the church to reach out to disabled children.