Religious Rights or Wrongs
As the 9th anniversary of September 11, 2001 approaches, a topic of controversy in the news is the proposed building of a $100 million Islamic cultural center. The cultural center is set to be built two blocks north of Ground Zero, the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City, New York.
A recent poll shows that somewhere between 71-80% of New Yorkers are opposed to the building. Others believe that the cultural center would help to educate people about the Muslim religion as well as develop tolerance for other religions.
President Barack Obama has gotten in on the controversial issue. According to FoxNews.com, Obama said, “As a citizen, and as a president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in the country.”
Many people across the United States have their opinions on whether or not the Muslims have a right to build the cultural center. Regardless of their opinions, the United States laws are very clear on the situation.
The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
This means that the Islamic people have the right to worship whomever and however they choose. They can also practice their religion wherever they want, as long as they do it peacefully, and the government cannot interfere.
According to CNN the two groups collaborating on the building project, the American Society for Muslim Advancement and the Cordoba Initiative, “presented their vision to part of the Community Board of Lower Manhattan.” They did this voluntarily and did not need the board’s approval to start building.
According to Ro Sheffe, a board member, “They own the land, and their plans don’t have any zoning changes. They came to us for our opinions and to let us know their plans.”
The facts are that the groups in charge of the future mosque currently have a mosque twelve blocks from the former World Trade Center. They are so full that they are currently using the proposed location two blocks from the former World Trade Center as a spillover place to worship. There is also another Muslim mosque not associated with the group located five blocks from the former World Trade Center. Also located near the former World Trade Center is a lingerie shop, bars, and strip clubs.
There are concerns that building the mosque will be a breeding ground for terrorists. According to New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne, “We have identified no law enforcement issues related to the proposed mosque.”
So whether you agree or disagree about the Islamic group building a mosque near Ground Zero. The facts are simple. The group does have the right to build the Islamic cultural center. The group is abiding by all laws, they show no threat to the public, and have been forthright with their plans to build the mosque. Right or wrong, it is their right to build.
