 (nypost) President Obama strongly backed the mosque planned near Ground Zero as he celebrated Ramadan with Muslim Americans at the White House – saying it shows that America’s commitment to to religious tolerance is "unshakeable."
"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. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," Obama said in his first comments on the controversy.
"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 told those in attendance at the White House Iftar dinner.
The president acknowledged the controversy that has been raging since plans for the mosque and community center were announced.
"Now, we must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan," he said.
"The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. The pain and suffering experienced by those who lost loved one is unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders."
"Ground Zero," Obama said, "is, indeed, hallowed ground."
Rep. Peter King (R-Long Island), a leading opponent of the mosque, accused Obama of caving into "political correctness."
"President Obama is wrong. It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of Ground Zero," King said.
"The right and moral thing for President Obama to have done was to urge Muslim leaders to respect the families of those who died and move their mosque away from Ground Zero."
Polls have shown that New Yorkers are overwhelmingly opposed putting a mosque near the World Trade Center site.
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