Prohibiting the free exercise thereof

I know that a lot of people aren't going to like what I write here. That's nothing new, of course, but this one might be an opinion that really won't be very popular with many folks. In fact, I still haven't solidified my own opinion on it. I have been pondering it, though.

The title of this entry comes from the First Amendment, which states that Congress "shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." There is much discussion lately, and much Bookfacing taking place, concerning the proposed construction of a mosque near Ground Zero. There are a few Facebook groups that are against it, with most people saying that it would be a slap in the face to America, that it is an outrage, and so on. How dare Muslims build a mosque near the site of such a tragedy, when people of their own faith are the ones that caused it? Even some Muslims feel that it is not a good idea and are against the construction.

I do understand that some might see it as a horrible affront, almost mocking in its audacity. I'm American, remember? I recall how I felt that day and in the subsequent days. We all do.

However, my first thoughts upon seeing some of the outraged posts and reading some articles about it was of the First Amendment, and that not only do they have the right to build a mosque, they also have the right to build it there. (As long as approval is met, and the Manhattan Board approved it 29-1, with 10 abstentions, last month.) I think it's important to keep in mind that the Muslims who perpetrated the attacks were religious extremists, just like Christian fundamentalists who do things like protest at military funerals holdings signs that say "God hates fags" (the charming Fred Phelps and his minions at Westboro Baptist Church) or people who decide it's perfectly okay to murder a doctor who performs abortions (still a legal procedure in the United States, in case anyone has forgotten). There were also Muslims who were killed in the 9/11 attacks. When the buildings came down, people of many faiths, no faith, and many different nationalities were killed.

Timothy McVeigh was raised in the Catholic church, although he seemed to break with his faith as he got older. I wonder if anyone would protest a cathedral being built near the site of the Oklahoma City bombing the way they are protesting this mosque? Some might say that Muslims are free to practice their religion, no one wants to restrict that…except for not allowing it to happen close to Ground Zero. A couple of thoughts there. First, what is the appropriate distance? A hundred yards? Five hundred yards? Ten miles? Not within the continental U.S.? And who would define that distance? Secondly, those of us who oppose school prayer also use similar words to say that it is not restricting anyone from praying on their own time, merely that it is constitutionally inappropriate to have a government-financed institution participate in prayers led by teachers or administrators on school time. However, the difference is that this group that wants to build the mosque are not forcing anyone to worship a certain way, or to pray; they want to build a mosque for people of their faith to attend on their own volition. They are also not financed by the government. Public schools are different, and there should be no proselytizing whatsoever in such an institution.

As I said, I do understand why some people would be bothered by this. However, our Constitution states that we respect all religions, or those who choose not to practice religion. The building being proposed will also function as a community center and will include a pool and a book store. If they are attempting an outreach for the good and improvement of the community, isn't that a positive thing?

I do have some conflict about this, because even though that was almost nine years ago, it's still a very painful memory. However, denying any religious group their right to build a place of worship is not how we operate. It does look as though it will go through. Mayor Bloomberg supports it. Perhaps it is time to come to terms with the fact that the Constitution does apply to everyone...even people you might not agree with, or even like.

Note: This post is in no way a defense of Islam, merely a defense of their right to build a mosque where they have legally obtained land and permits. I think I've made it clear how I feel about religion in general, no matter which one it happens to be. Personally, I say build the community center, but leave off the mosque part and stop indoctrinating children. I would say the same about a Catholic cathedral or a synagogue or Christian church. Good things can be done for people and for the community without the entanglements of religious proselytizing.