International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles

ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS’ APPLICATION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

On June 6,1997, the Plaintiffs’ Application for Preliminary Injunction came on for hearing. The Court, having considered the written submissions of the parties and amicus curiae, and the oral argument of counsel, hereby GRANTS the Application.

Background

The Complaint in this matter was filed on May 13, 1997. There are four named Plaintiffs: (1) International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. (“ISKCON”), a California nonprofit, religious corporation; (2) Emil Beca, a member of ISKCON; (8) Committee for Human Rights in Iran (“CHR”), a California, public benefit corporation; and (4) Reza Nabati, a member of CHR. The three named Defendants are: (1) the City of Los Angeles, which owns and operates Los Ange-les International Airport (“LAX”); (2) Stephen Yee, the manager of LAX; and (3) Gilbert A. Sandoval, the Chief of Airport Police.

The lawsuit arises as a result of the City’s recent enactment of an amendment to the Los Angeles Administrative Code. Specifically, pursuant to Ordinance Number 171552:

Los Angeles, Cal., Ordinance 171552 (Apr. 1, 1997). The Ordinance was scheduled to take effect on May…