WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A small southeastern Kansas congregation has sued Crawford County in a zoning dispute over church property that challenges the constitutionality of its zoning laws.

Liberty Baptist Church filed its lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Kansas claiming land use regulations violate the First Amendment and federal law.

The congregation of 15 members contends it was twice denied a conditional use permit by county commissioners for a new church outside Pittsburg city limits.

Its lawsuit contends the regulations are unlawful because they exclude new churches from locating anywhere in the county without undergoing a zoning process. It seeks an order blocking the county from preventing Liberty Baptist from using its property. It also seeks a ruling declaring the county’s zoning restrictions on churches unconstitutional.

Crawford County’s legal counsel declined comment.