Mosque trial against Palos Heights to begin Nov. 15

A Nov. 15 trial date has been set in a $6.2 million federal lawsuit by the Al Salam Mosque Foundation that accuses Palos Heights of civil rights violations and discrimination in opposing a mosque in the city. In 2000, Al Salam created a major controversy by announcing its intent to buy the Christian Reformed Church of Palos Heights' building, 6600 W. 127th St., and turn it into a mosque. Hundreds of residents petitioned the city council to buy the church for use as a recreation center, with some openly opposing the mosque, saying they did not want Muslims in their "Christian community." The city offered the mosque foundation $200,000 to back out of the deal with the church, but then-Mayor Dean Koldenhoven vetoed the settlement, calling it an "embarrassment" and an "insult" to the Muslim community. Al Salam officials then decided not to purchase the church property and later filed the civil rights lawsuit. The suit alleges that city officials deliberately derailed the mosque project by refusing to provide written verification that the appropriate zoning was in place for a mosque. [more ]