Supreme Court to Review Kentucky Religious Land Use Dispute

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal regarding the construction of a Catholic shrine in Park Hills, Kentucky. The case involves the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, who seek to build a grotto featuring statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Bernadette on their property. While the local Board of Adjustment initially granted a permit for the project in 2021, neighbors Joel and Elizabeth Frederic challenged the decision in state court, citing concerns over potential traffic and parking issues.

The Kentucky Supreme Court previously ruled against the religious association, prompting the current appeal. The legal dispute centers on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), a federal law designed to prevent zoning regulations from placing a substantial burden on religious exercise. The Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, represented by the First Liberty Institute, argue that the city's zoning restrictions infringe upon their religious freedom. The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling is expected to clarify the standards for applying RLUIPA to local zoning ordinances nationwide.