The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) last night welcomed U.S. President Barack Obama's strong support for Muslim religious rights, including the right to build an Islamic community center in Manhattan. At an Iftar, or Ramadan fast-breaking dinner at the White House Saturday evening, the president said: "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." "We welcome President Obama's strong statement of support for American Muslim religious rights" said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We urge other national political and religious leaders to speak out in defense of the freedom of religion and equality of all Americans enshrined in our Constitution."
