CAIR-NJ Supports Federal Discrimination Lawsuit Over Sayreville’s Denial of Mosque
(NEWARK, NJ – 12/5/25)– The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed strong support for a federal lawsuit filed by Masjid Sadar against the Borough of Sayreville and its planning board, following the board’s denial of the congregation’s application to build a mosque on Ernston Road.
The lawsuit alleges that the board discriminated against the Muslim community and violated the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
READ: Sayreville facing federal discrimination lawsuit over denied mosque
According to the lawsuit, Masjid Sadar has faced several hindrances during a 13-month review process, including eight public hearings and four separate site plan revisions.
Despite agreeing to reduce the size of the mosque and accepting two dozen conditions set forth by the board, the application for Masjid Sadar was ultimately rejected in June on the grounds of parking concerns. Parking calculations followed borough zoning ordinances, but Board officials demanded more than triple the required number of spaces. The lawsuit argues that in the borough’s zoning ordinance, houses of worship are subject to restrictions that do not apply to non-religious uses.
In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey said:
“The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act exists to prevent exactly this kind of discriminatory treatment. The record shows shifting standards, unreasonable demands, and a clear double standard applied to this Masjid Sadar. Sayreville officials must be held accountable for allowing bias to influence land-use decisions.
“Hundreds of Muslims live in and around Sayreville, yet the nearest mosque is miles away. Every community deserves equal access to houses of worship. Zoning laws cannot be used to keep certain faith groups out.”
CAIR-NJ is urging Sayreville to comply with federal law, resolve the dispute fairly, and ensure that religious minorities receive equal treatment in all municipal processes.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482
