Noor Islamic Center Files Lawsuit Against Hilliard Over Discrimination and Rights Violations
OHIO – The Noor Islamic Center lawsuit proceedings are now at the center of a major civil rights dispute in Hilliard, Ohio, after the mosque’s legal team filed a federal case alleging religious discrimination and First Amendment violations.
The Noor Islamic Center lawsuit stems from Hilliard City Council’s rejection of a proposal to transform a long-vacant, 220,000-square-foot office building into a multi-use community hub, including a mosque, school, STEM center, and event space. Despite meeting zoning requirements, the City of Hilliard blocked the redevelopment plan, prompting legal action from the property’s owners, Britton Parkway Holding Inc. (BPH), an affiliate of the Noor Islamic Center.
A Struggle for Religious Freedom in Central Ohio
Filed on April 14 in U.S. District Court, the lawsuit claims that the city imposed arbitrary and inconsistent restrictions on the project, violating both federal law and the city’s own zoning code. Noor’s attorneys say the city has previously approved Christian-based projects without issue, raising serious concerns about discriminatory practices.
“Noor has been financially harmed by the city’s actions,” said Ronney Abaza, chairman of the Noor board. “This isn’t just about a building—it’s about the right to worship, build community, and be treated fairly under the law.”
Allegations of Unequal Treatment
The lawsuit alleges that the City of Hilliard deliberately stalled and blocked the mosque’s plans despite repeated attempts to comply with city demands. According to Joe Miller, legal counsel for BPH, this case marks one of the clearest examples of religious discrimination he’s seen in over 25 years of practice.
“Every time Noor met a requirement, the city introduced new and unfounded barriers,” said Miller during a press conference outside U.S. District Court in Columbus. “This level of obstruction is not just unusual—it’s unconstitutional.”
What the Noor Islamic Center Plans for the Site
The building at 5550 Britton Parkway, once home to BMW Financial Services, was purchased by Noor earlier this year using community donations. The proposed redevelopment would preserve office space while adding religious services, a school, and a STEM education center for youth in Central Ohio.
The Noor Islamic Center argues that its project would generate more income tax for the city than the vacant property does now and provide valuable services to the surrounding area.
City of Hilliard Responds
In its most recent public statement, the City of Hilliard said it followed existing land use regulations and had worked to accommodate Noor’s evolving plans. The city encouraged Noor to submit a revised proposal that aligns with Hilliard’s community development goals.
However, Noor’s legal team asserts that these development goals are being used to mask a deeper issue: an attempt to limit Islamic worship within the city.
The Noor Islamic Center lawsuit could have broad implications for religious land use rights across Ohio and the United States. With millions of dollars in financial damages on the line, this case has become a flashpoint for discussions about religious freedom, equity in zoning, and civil rights in Columbus-area suburbs.
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