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Bloomberg Defends Atheists' Suit Against 9/11 Cross
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 30, 2011
Modified Jul 30, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 30, 2011
Modified Jul 30, 2011
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Keeping consistent with his belief that citizens of the United States should be free from the government meddling in what religion they choose to practice, Mayor Bloomberg defended the group of atheists that are suing to prevent the September 11 Cross from being installed in the 9/11 memorial and museum at World Trade Center site. In his weekly radio address, Bloomberg said, "This group of atheists, they're free in our country to not believe and not practice, and we should defend their right to do that, just as we should defend individuals' rights to practice and to believe." The Mayor's right: we have to be tolerant of the atheists' deity, even if he happens to be Bill Maher.
The lawsuit, filed by the American Atheists, drew jeers because it alleged that the cross injured atheists by giving them "dyspepsia, symptoms of depression, headaches, anxiety, and mental pain and anguish." In fairness to the cross, it may just be the atheists' Zoloft talking. But Mayor Bloomberg urged the public to give the group a fair shake: "You've got to be careful in criticizing people. No. 1, they have a right to sue, and we'll see what the judge says." We look forward to the reasoned, civil debate that will surely arise from this lawsuit.
Tagged
9/11 memorial
9/11 museum
mayor bloomberg
mike bloomberg
september 11
world trade center
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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