AUSTIN (June 19, 2009)--The Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday a town violated protections against government limits on religious practice when it closed two religious halfway houses for parolees.

The dispute involving Sinton centers on the 1999 Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which says state and local governments must show a compelling interest such as protection of public health or safety before limiting the practice of religion.

Pastor Richard Barr, who's an ex-con, set up halfway houses in 1998 in two homes near Grace Christian Fellowship church.

Residents were told it was a biblical ministry, not a social service agency.

Sinton city officials then passed an ordinance barring parolees from living within 1,000 feet of a church, a school and other certain areas.

Barr's lawyers argued the ordinance specifically targeted his ministry in the city just 2.2 square miles in size.

The state parole board in 2002 stopped approving parolees to live in Barr's homes.