By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services/Arizona Daily Star
Saying their rights were not violated, a federal court has rebuffed the bid of a Pima County couple who wants to build a chapel on the edge of Tucson.
In a brief ruling, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the contention by John and Debi Fazio that county zoning officials had run afoul of federal laws that protect individuals and institutions from government regulations that interfere with their ability to practice their religion.
In their unsigned opinion, the three judges acknowledged the county had barred them from setting up shop where they want. But the judges said the owners had options, ranging from modifying their plans to simply moving elsewhere.
