HAMTRAMCK — The Hamtramck Zoning Board yesterday approved two zoning variances for the expansion of the Islamic Center of Hamtramck and the establishment of the Ideal Islamic Center.

A representative of CAIR-MI spoke on behalf of the Islamic centers at the hearing, reminding the board of federal law, which prohibits the denial of zoning approval of religious institutions based upon their religious beliefs and or the institutions being tax-exempt.

In the past year, CAIR-MI has represented Islamic institutions in contentious zoning issues in Sterling Heights and Farmington Hills as well as representing the Michigan Islamic Academy (MIA) in a zoning request, which was denied by Pittsfield Township.g