State officials in New York have filed a new policy to allow religious groups to rent public space after attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed suit.
Robert Miskowski, pastor of Relevant Church, asked to use the Dulles State Office Building for Easter services. His request was denied by a state official, who said allowing a church to use a state building would be a violation of separation of church and state.
ADF filed suit March 27; state officials published the new policy in April.
Matt Bowman, legal counsel for ADF, said the new policy puts the state in compliance with the Constitution.
“Christian groups are entitled to the same fair and equal access rights as any other group,” he said. “We are pleased that the new policy will ensure that churches and religious groups throughout the state of New York will no longer find themselves singled out for unlawful discrimination.”
In light of the new policy, ADF filed a voluntary dismissal of the suit.
