Home > Press Releases > ISNA Applauds NYC Mayor Bloomberg's stance on Freedom of Religion and Mosque Near Ground Zero

ISNA Applauds NYC Mayor Bloomberg's stance on Freedom of Religion and Mosque Near Ground Zero

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Source: ISNA
 

(Plainfield, IN Aug 4, 2010) Yesterday morning, Tuesday August 3, Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg delivered a passionate speech in support of the decision by the New York Landmark Preservation Commission and others to deny landmark status to the current building occupying the area for a proposed mosque and Islamic center.  The Commission thereby removed the only hurdle that stood in the way of the construction of a mosque and Islamic Center near Ground Zero in New York City, New York.
 
The speech was part of a press conference held on Governor's Island where Mayor Bloomberg was surrounded by members of the interfaith and government community, Muslim leaders and New Yorkers to support and listen as Bloomberg emotionally defended the rights of Muslims to practice their religion.  He recalled how the city overcame early decisions that denied Jews, Quakers and Catholics the right to build houses of worship and rejoiced in how the city has now become a beacon of freedom of worship for all religions.
 
Mayor Bloomberg cited this event as the most critical case to protect the founding principle of separation of church and state that America has ever seen. "Whatever you may think of the proposed mosque and community center, lost in the heat of the debate has been a basic question - should government attempt to deny private citizens the right to build a house of worship on private property based on their particular religion? That may happen in other countries, but we should never allow it to happen here. This nation was founded on the principle that the government must never choose between religions, or favor one over another," pronounced Bloomberg.
 
Mayor Bloomberg spoke of what he sees as the strength of New York -- its rich diversity and the fact it was founded by immigrants and has grown and progressed at the hands of immigrants -- including Muslims.  He spoke of tolerance, the importance of respect and diversity, the heroism and loss of Muslim lives on 9-11, and freedom of religion.  Bloomberg stated, "There is no neighborhood in this City that is off limits to God's love and mercy, as the religious leaders here with us today can attest," adding, "The government has no right whatsoever to deny that right."

ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson praises Bloomberg for his moral leadership, stating, "This speech was moving and powerful.  ISNA thanks Mayor Bloomberg for his ability to uphold his duty as an elected official to protect the rights of all Americans living in New York City.  He has set a high standard of moral leadership that other elected officials and political leaders across the country should  follow."
 
To hear more of Mayor Bloomberg's powerful speech, a full video and a transcript of the speech can both be accessed online.


Contact:
Sarah Thompson
Communications Coordinator
317-839-1816
sthompson@isna.net