Source: MyFox Hampton Roads
There's new insight on a story about religion and rights MyFox Hampton Roads has been following for months.
A group of Buddhist monks in Virginia Beach says the city's refusal to renew a conditional use permit, allowing it to operate a temple in a home is a violation of its constitutional rights.
Now, a federal judge will have to decide the case.
The Buddhist monks of Pungo say their Temple-Home is open to their neighbors and people of all faiths as Buddha himself instructed centuries ago.
Buddhist Monk Chuc Than said, "You keep your religion, but you can practice my philosophy...wisdom to them how to live the happy life"
The monks say services held at the temple teach followers the path toward enlightenment and inner peace.
Though, not everyone is at peace with the temple being in Pungo. Neighbors opposed to it say it's not about religious freedom, it's about zoning.