Chicago suburb defends actions after discrimination suit

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago suburb is defending itself after the government sued it for allegedly discriminating against a Muslim group by denying it permission to open a place of worship in an office building.

A brief Thursday statement from the city of Des Plaines says it's "a welcoming community to all religious faiths."

The suit filed in federal court in Chicago Wednesday accuses Des Plaines of violating laws prohibiting the use of zoning and other ordinances to thwart religious freedom.

It alleges Des Plaines sought to impose zoning and other criteria on the American Islamic Center that hadn't been imposed on non-Islamic groups.

The city's statement says "Des Plaines considers cultural and religious diversity to be one of the community's greatest strengths." And it says it will "respond accordingly" to the lawsuit.