Obama defends right to build mosque near 9/11 site

[Jeffersons Ghost]

Obama defends right to build mosque near 9/11 site

President Obama was speaking at a Muslim Iftar dinner at the White House

US President Barack Obama has staunchly defended controversial plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero in New York. Opponents have protested against the construction of an Islamic cultural centre and mosque several hundred feet away from the site of the Twin Towers.

Mr Obama acknowledged "sensitivities" surround the 9/11 site, but said Muslims have the same right to practise their religion "as anyone else". "Our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable," Mr Obama said.

Since a New York developer announced plans to build a 13-storey Islamic community centre and mosque about two blocks from the former World Trade Center site, prominent Republican politicians and a host of conservative pundits have attacked the project.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10973459

[Itchinjim]

1. The President defending the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion?

It's an outrage! An absolute outrage!

[niyad]

5. guess that will be the next amendment the reichwing wants repealed.

[Sea Witch]

2. Good- it's the right thing to do.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

7. I can't believe he took a controversial position

[Democat]

3. A rare headline that says "near" instead of "at ground zero"

This is a media-made controversy.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

4. rare indeed but the controversy continues

[Scurrilous]

6. K & R

:thumbsup: