By Angela Hatton
Mayfield, KY – Mayfield's zoning board has voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for an Islamic prayer center. The board denied the permit in August, but the American Civil Liberties Union appealed the decision. The ACLU says the board's initial reason for denying the permit was invalid under federal law. The board had decided the location didn't have enough parking. The ACLU also argued that the board erred in not allowing applicant Khader Ahmed to speak. Ahmed was turned away at the last meeting due to space restrictions. At today's meeting, Ahmed said the location will not be used for full worship services, only for daily prayer. Ahmed has agreed to comply with city fire code, which limits the prayer room's occupancy to 40 people.