LA vs the Masons

History has shown that you don't mess with the Masons. For some time the City of Los Angeles has tried to prevent the charitable fraternity from renting its Scottish Rite Auditorium for non-Masonic events, such as concerts. However a recent court ruling may grant the order the same rights as a religious organization under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), effectively shutting out the City's interference.

It should be noted that facility rentals are one way that Masonic organizations help to raise funds for its many charities, such as the Shriners Hospitals who have provided free medical care to needy children even before liberals latched onto to the idea.