Orrin Hatch supports that mosque thing in NYC

[Enrique]

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/08/31/orrin-hatch-backs-ground-zero-mosque-breaks-with-gop-colleagu/

Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah has come out strongly in support of the controversial Islamic center proposed for construction in New York, even as his party appears to be using opposition to the so-called "Ground Zero mosque" as a campaign issue.

In an interview over the weekend with Fox 13 News in Salt Lake City, Hatch noted that "there's a huge . . . lack of support throughout the country for Islam to build that mosque there, but that should not make a difference if they decide to do it."

"I'd be the first to stand up for their rights," said Hatch, a Mormon and longtime supporter of religious freedom who was behind legislation passed in 2000, known as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), which aims to protect houses of worship from undue burdens and discrimination from local zoning statutes and other laws.

"So, if the Muslims own that property, that private property, and they want to build a mosque there, they should have the right to do so," Hatch said, noting also that the local Manhattan community board had overwhelmingly approved the construction of the Islamic Center, now known as Park51.

"I just think what's made this country great is we have religious freedom. That's not the only thing, but it's one of the most important things in the Constitution."

Hatch is a Mormon, and noted in the interview that Mormons themselves have historically faced fierce and often violent opposition as they sought to build communities and houses of worship.


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[Oceansaway]

1. K&R...n/t

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Good for him, but even a stopped clock is right twice a day...

:shrug:

[562dem]

3. We need more mosques in America. I dont know any muslim who votes Republican

[jberryhill]

4. This is a tough one for Mormons to get wrong

“I will be to this generation a second Mohammed" - Joseph Smith.

[TheMuse]

5. Nice! (nt)