Constitutional Law

Freedom of Religion: A Fundamental American Right

By Suzanne Ito, ACLU

Today, we released a new video about religious freedom featuring a diverse cast of religious leaders from New York City. Imam Abdul Baqi of the Islamic Leadership Council of New York; Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper of Judson Memorial Church; Father Michael Perry of Our Lady of Refuge; and Rabbi Andy Bachman of Congregation Beth Elohim joined Faiza Ali of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to deliver a message of support for the rights of all Americans of all faiths to worship where they choose.

On Friday, September 10, more than 2,000 people turned out for a vigil downtown on the block next to the proposed Islamic Cultural Center. The vigil was hosted by New York Neighbors for American Values, a coalition of more than 100 religious and civil rights organizations including the ACLU and New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU). Among the speakers that evening were Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the first Muslim member of Congress, and Donna Lieberman, NYCLU's Executive Director. You can check out CAIR's photos of the event here.

And if you haven't already, sign our petition thanking New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for taking a principled stance in support of religious freedom.

Full post as published by Blog of Rights on September 13, 2010 (boomark / email).