Michigan Community under Probe over Religious Discrimination ComplaintsTop Stories

June 23, 2018 10:13
Michigan Community under Probe over Religious Discrimination Complaints

(Image source from: The Crazy Tourist)

Michigan resort community is under investigation by Federal Housing Authority over religious discrimination complaints, that requires homeowners to be of "Christian persuasion."

The United States Department of Federal Housing earlier this month sent word to the Bay View Association that the community near Petoskey failed to prove its exempt for a law prohibiting discriminatory practices, according to report.

The woodsy resort town doesn't let non-Christians to buy a home in the community. Some residents have claimed that they were prevented from passing down their Bay View cottages who are non-practicing or affiliate with another religion.

A group of residents has filed a federal lawsuit to overturn the rule, alleging it violates the First Amendment. Attorney Sarah Prescott, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the residents, said the town is operating as both a state and religious entity. "You can't have both," she told Michigan Radio.

"We need to do something," said Don Duquette, one of the residents involved in the lawsuit. "We're fighting for the soul of this place."

Duquette said his and 18 other formal complaints filed in 2016 allege religious discrimination in Bay View to federal housing officials. The complaints accuse the resort community of violating the Federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on religious beliefs.

Religious requirement supporters argue that getting rid of it would lead to less financial and volunteer support for the association because residents wouldn't be as invested in Christian values and tradition.

"It doesn't make sense to have members who don't embrace the mission voting on issues that will determine the future of our Christian organization," said Dick Crossland, a longtime Bay View resident.

A legal proceeding is scheduled in federal court in Kalamazoo for July 30.

By Sowmya Sangam

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