The Hill News

One of the country's largest civil rights organizations lauded the next step forward in the development of an Islamic cultural center near ground zero in Manhattan.

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to deny "landmark" status to the building currently at the site, paving the way for its demolition and, eventually, for development of the Muslim center.

Those opposed to the project say the building’s proximity to the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks â€" led by al Qaeda-affiliated Muslims â€" is insensitive to the families of the dead. Supporters defend it on the grounds of religious freedom.

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