President Obama has come out strongly in defense of controversial plans to erect a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City. Muslims, the president said, have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else.

Republican politicians and conservative pundits have kept up a steady drumbeat of opposition to the project. –JCL

The BBC:

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”.

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In this Article:
#barack obama#ground zero#islam#mosque#muslim#prejudice#religion#religious freedom#september 11#speech