Lawmakers Rebuke Manhattan Mosque Opponents

A pair of Democrats released an online slideshow today highlighting what they say is a pattern of discrimination occurring against Muslims worldwide.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) say the series of photos is meant to focus attention on the growing opposition to a proposed mosque that would be constructed blocks from the World Trade Center site in Manhattan.

“The hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric from opponents of the Cordoba House, especially political leaders, is inexcusable,” said the two lawmakers in a joint statement. “In a country founded on the principles of religious freedom we should not be in the business of picking and choosing when to apply those principles. It is unfortunate that so many national leaders have said they would deny Muslims or persons of any faith the right to build a place of worship.”