Breaking ranks with fellow Republicans who have widely criticized President Obama’s First Amendment defense of the proposed Islamic center near ground zero, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch weighed in Monday:

HATCH: Let’s be honest about it, in the First Amendment, religious freedom, religious expression, that really express matters to the Constitution. So, if the Muslims own that property, that private property, and they want to build a mosque there, they should have the right to do so. The only question is are they being insensitive to those who suffered the loss of loved ones? We know there are Muslims killed on 9/11 too and we know it’s a great religion. … But as far as their right to build that mosque, they have that right.



I just think what’s made this country great is we have religious freedom. That’s not the only thing, but it’s one of the most important things in the Constitution. [...]



There’s a question of whether it’s too close to the 9/11 area, but it’s a few blocks away, it isn’t right there. … And here’s a huge, I think, lack of support throughout the country for Islam to build that mosque there, but that should not make a difference if they decide to do it. I’d be the first to stand up for their rights.





(via Think Progress)

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