The Redemption Community Church at 385 Main Street in Laurel has filed a lawsuit against the City of Laurel in Federal District Court for the District of Maryland.

 The suit claims the City has discriminated against the church through the exercise of its zoning authority.

The City completely denies this claim, will vigorously defend its actions in court, and expects to be fully exonerated.

The City of Laurel takes great pride in applying its laws equally and without discrimination to all residents, businesses and religious institutions within the City, and will continue to do so in the future.

Given the pending litigation, there will be no further comment at this time.