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Lesson 1
Assemblies & Institutions: RLUIPA’s Overlooked Requirement
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (“RLUIPA”) was enacted to combat widespread discrimination against individuals and institutions seeking to use land for religious purposes. Unfortunately, discriminatory zoning codes are still a reality today. One such reality involves religious individuals or organizations seeking to use property for transitional homes, women’s shelters, or places of respite. These uses may be religious, but to bring the organization within RLUIPA’s protection, the organization must demonstrate its eligibility. Without a clear characterization as a place of worship, institution sponsored by a place of worship, or institution affiliated with a place of worship, RLUIPA may not clearly protect an institution. This whitepaper will seek to educate individuals and organizations on best practices — in operations, documentation, and beyond — to qualify for RLUIPA protections.