CARMEL -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana today praised the Carmel Zoning Board’s approval of a proposed Islamic Learning Center. The city’s staff had recommended approval of the application, noting that the proposed mosque met all zoning requirements.

ACLU of Indiana Executive Director Jane Henegar made this statement: 

“Religious freedom and equality are not only fundamental principles of our democracy, they are firmly held values that strengthen our communities. We commend the Zoning Board for looking at the facts, rejecting the politics of division and allowing the Islamic Life Center to move forward. This is also a victory for the people of Carmel who will benefit from a more diverse and vibrant community. The ACLU of Indiana will remain vigilant against threats to religious freedom and oppose any attempts to discriminate against Hoosiers because of who they are, where they come from or how they pray.”