Judge dismisses lawsuit in Conn. synagogue dispute

LITCHFIELD, Conn. (AP) - A federal judge has dismissed a Jewish group's lawsuit accusing Litchfield town officials who rejected plans for a synagogue of discrimination based on religion.

U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall issued a 40-page ruling Friday saying Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut didn't present evidence supporting its allegations.

Chabad Lubavitch claimed its constitutional right to freedom of religion was violated when the Borough of Litchfield's Historic District Commission decided in 2007 that the group couldn't convert a 135-year-old Victorian house it owns into a 21,000-square-foot synagogue. Commission members said the proposed expansion of the building was too big for the local historic district.

Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach says Chabad Lubavitch's board and its lawyer are reviewing the ruling and will decide whether to pursue further legal action.