ACLU Praises Ground Zero Mega-Mosque

From The Hill and Alliance Defense Fund:

ACLU praises Muslim center near Ground Zero


By Jordy Yager - 08/03/10 12:08 PM ET



One of the country's largest civil rights organizations lauded the next step forward in the development of an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero in Manhattan.



The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to deny "landmark" status to the building currently at the site, paving the way for its demolition and, eventually, for development of the Muslim center.





Those opposed to the project say the building’s proximity to the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks — led by al Qaeda-affiliated Muslims — is insensitive to the families of the dead. Supporters defend it on the grounds of religious freedom.







On Tuesday, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) praised the center’s progress, saying that it represents the core of American values.



“The free exercise of religion is one of America’s most fundamental freedoms,” said the ACLU in a statement. “For hundreds of years, our pluralism and tolerance have sustained and strengthened our nation. On 9/11, religious extremists opposed to that very pluralism killed 3,000 Americans. Those fanatics would want nothing more than for our nation to turn its back on the very ideals that make this country so great.



“For those who have sought to ban the construction of the cultural center, we must remember that our precious ideals extend to all Americans, regardless of creed or color. We see the center as a monument to pluralism, symbolic of America’s commitment to religious freedom.”