A Troubling NYC Vote for Ground Zero Mosque

By 

Jay Sekulow

|
June 9, 2011

2 min read

ACLJ

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It's a vote that we knew was coming. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission today voted 9-0 to reject a request to landmark a historic and sacred site at Ground Zero.  The unanimous vote bolsters plans to build a $100-million, 13-story Islamic mosque at the site - a site where the landing gear of one of the hijacked planes from 9-11 crashed through the roof of the building. 

As you know, we are front and center in this challenge.  We represent Tim Brown, a decorated NYC firefighter - a first responder who survived the 9-11 attacks but watched 100 friends perish.  At the same time, we are representing thousands of you who have signed on to our Committee to Stop the Ground Zero Mosque.

The actions taken by the city clearly represent a blatant disregard for the city's own procedures, while ignoring the fact that this is a historic and hallowed site that should not be destroyed to build an Islamic mosque. 

It has been clear from the beginning that the city has engaged in a rush to push this project through - ignoring proper procedure and ignoring a growing number of New Yorkers and Americans who don't believe this site is the place to build a mosque.  We're poised to file legal action on behalf of our client to challenge this flawed decision and put a stop to this project.

The ACLJ has presented New York officials with oral and written testimony urging city officials to landmark the site.  "The building links two distinct periods in American history," the ACLJ argued.  "It reflects the growth and rise of American free enterprise and stands as a symbol of Americas strength and survival in the face of brutal, sadistic terrorism."

You can read the ACLJ's letter submitted to the city here.

Now, that this vote has occurred, we're planning to file an Article 78 petition in state court to challenge the city's actions.  We will allege that there's been an abuse of discretion in the Commission's decision. 

If you haven't yet signed on to our Committee to Stop the Ground Zero mosque, please take a moment and do that right now.  You can add your name here.