CHICAGO (CN) - The 7th Circuit refused to reconsider its decision that Chicago may relocate a cemetery to make way for a new runway at O'Hare International Airport.
John's United Church of Christ unsuccessfully tried to block the move, claiming that its cemetery in Bensenville was on church property and any effort to move it would be sacrilegious to the congregation's beliefs.
The circuit ruled in September that the city did not discriminate in condemning the St. Johannes Cemetery and had the compelling interest of updating one of the world's busiest airports. In dissent, Judge Ripple expressed doubt that the expansion plan is narrowly tailored to meet that interest.
The city plans to move more than 1,600 graves from the cemetery.
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