Plan for Muslim cemetery rejected

After residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed Islamic cemetery in a rural part of unincorporated Bullitt County, the county's Board of Adjustments voted 4-1 to deny the request to loud applause from the crowd of more than 110.

The Louisville Islamic Center had requested a conditional-use zoning change to buy 10 acres of land near Mount Washington and build a cemetery. The land is currently zoned agricultural.

Some residents cited traffic concerns on narrow Hubbard Lane and expressed no malice to the Islamic faith.

Others expressed concern about environmental issues associated with Islamic burial traditions, which typically involve no caskets or vaults. Some feared vandalism from those opposed to Islam.

Several told the board the board the United States was built on Christian principles and that the Islamic Center should go where it is more welcome.