So much for "separation of church and state" if a group has to get a government permit to build; and have government inspectors coming in to look at materials, appliances, exits, et al.
If this mosque is simply the result of mutual exchange of property, then it is legally fine.
If it is some government project, or government favoritism, where the government artificially restrains the freedom of property exchange and then endorses and enforces an allowance to occur under their supervision, this is definitely a violation of the First and Fourth Amendments.
I knew the name Obama was not good....too much like Osama and the dems went on and said...."nah just coincidence". Now he also supports the Muslim faith "surprise" and steps up to the plate when push comes to shove. Whatever happen to the red flags?
There were lots of people of all creeds and races and religious beliefs working in the Twin Towers that day.
But only one religious group took over the planes and murdered those said people.
Yes, these people have a right to a worship center.
But to build it near ground zero is INCREDIBLY insensitive.
And people who don't see that
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I don't get it.
Building permits, inspections and safety requirements are a matter of public safety, not a violation of the institutional separation of church and state.
Or would you assert that the fire department responding to a fire in the church building is some sort of government intrusion into religious freedom too?
As much as I detest all false religions, including Islam, and as much as I believe building a Mosque near ground zero is insensitive, I agree with President Obama's remarks. Freedom of religion is not a one way street for Christians. Freedom of religion applies to all Americans. They have just as much right to build a Mosque on private property near ground zero as we have to build a Baptist Church on private property near ground zero. I'm not saying they should place a Mosque there, I am just saying they do have a constitutional right to do so.