OBAMA DEFENDS PLANS FOR GROUND ZERO COMPLEX

OBAMA DEFENDS PLANS FOR GROUND ZERO COMPLEX

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August 13, 2022

US President Barack Obama on August 13 forcefully joined the national debate over construction of an Islamic complex near New York’s Ground Zero, telling guests at a White House dinner marking the holy month of Ramadhan that opposing the project is at odds with American values. “Let me be clear: as a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country”, Obama said in his remarks at an Iftaar dinner hosted by him at the White House. “That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,” he added. “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are. The writ of our Founders must endure,” Obama said.