ACLJ Poised To File Court Challenge To Proposed Ground Zero Mosque After NYC Declines To Protect Hitoric Building

From ACLJ and Alliance Defense Fund:

ACLJ Poised to File Court Challenge to Proposed Ground Zero Mosque After NYC Declines to Landmark Historic Building




August 3, 2010



(Washington, DC) – The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which is representing a New York City firefighter who survived the 9-11 terrorist attacks, said today's vote by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission is deeply offensive to many of the victims and families of the 9-11 tragedy. By a vote of 9-to-0, the Commission, appointed by New York Mayor Bloomberg, failed to landmark a historic site near Ground Zero - a site where the landing gear of one of the hijacked planes from 9-11 crashed through the roof of the building. The vote bolsters plans to build a $100-million, 13-story Islamic mosque on what many consider to be sacred ground.



"The actions taken by the City of New York represent a blatant disregard for the city's own procedures, while ignoring the fact that this is a historic and hallowed site that should not be destroyed to build an Islamic mosque," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ. "It has been clear from the beginning that the city has engaged in a rush to push this project through - ignoring proper procedure and ignoring a growing number of New Yorkers and Americans who don't believe this site is the place to build a mosque. We're poised to file legal action on behalf of our client to challenge this flawed decision and put a stop to this project."



The ACLJ has presented New York officials with oral and written testimony urging city officials to landmark the site. "The building links two distinct periods in American history," the ACLJ argued. "It reflects the growth and rise of American free enterprise and stands as a symbol of America’s strength and survival in the face of brutal, sadistic terrorism."



You can read the ACLJ's letter submitted to the city here.



The ACLJ is planning to file an Article 78 petition in state court to challenge the city's actions. The ACLJ will allege that there's been an abuse of discretion in the Commission's decision and that filing is expected to occur tomorrow.



The ACLJ represents Tim Brown, a decorated firefighter and first responder, who survived the Twin Towers’ collapse and lost nearly 100 friends. The ACLJ also represents thousands of Americans who have signed on to the Committee to Stop the Ground Zero Mosque - Americans who oppose building an Islamic mosque on this site which should be used to honor and preserve the memory of 9-11 and its victims.



Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.