A group of Muslims from New Jersey is appealing a federal judge’s ruling that found the New York City Police Department’s surveillance of Muslims did not violate their civil rights.

Attorneys with Muslim Advocates and the Center for Constitutional Rights on Friday appealed the dismissal of a 2012 lawsuit brought by eight Muslims who alleged the NYPD conducted unconstitutional surveillance based on religion, national origin and race.

U.S. District Judge William Martini ruled last month that the NYPD’s activities were part of a lawful effort to prevent terrorism. He said Muslims had filed suit in reaction to a series of stories by The Associated Press that revealed the NYPD’s secret activities.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs say the judge’s ruling gives legal sanction to religious discrimination by law enforcement.

(AP)